I usually look at the long range forecast each year to see rather than the calendar. Since the sun isn't too intense at this time of year, and the nights are long, several nights of below freezing weather in a row will usually crust over the surface and a couple of inches down, restricting water movement. However, unless you've had different weather than we have this fall, I wouldn't water; we have had a fairly large amount of rain in the last month or two. Check the soil moisture level in your area, but right now our ground is saturated or close to it. In your area, you may also find that your soil doesn't ever really freeze completely; it didn't most years when I lived in Cleveland which is similar climate (though cloudier) to MA.

'They' don't live around here. 'They' live somewhere with much drier falls, so drought during the winter is a significant problem. So if it honestly hasn't rained, snowed, or iced where you are in the last two weeks, I'd consider watering. Since we usually live with frozen squish from November to April, it isn't a local concern.

This is my parent's place, so I can only water it during visits. We had a very wet couple weeks after a long drought,. Usually I'd water newly planted trees one last time during my Christmas visit...but that was right after a big rain storm this year. The soil does sometimes freeze around here.

I also wonder if whether and when the soil freezes depends on what it is made of. Its the water in the soil that freezes. Spongy moist organic soil seems to freeze when some kinds of mulch and course sand tend not to hold much water and don't freeze.

Thanks for the reminder! I planted a replacement foundation juniper a few weeks ago and today might be the last chance to water before the ground freezes. Realizing that I had already winterized the water taps meant I would have to fill the watering can in the kitchen and carry it through the living room to get to the plant. Surprise! My plastic garden cart had 3" water and ice in it -- enough for a good drink. Cart returned to behind shed, upturned now.