they were all in 1 gal pots. before i had health issue, i watered 2 week or so depend on the need. then i didn't get around to them for 3 months. they were all dead.
now.. my 10 gal tubs, i only watered once at the start of the winter. they all did very well without the water for rest of the winter. i'm sure little water here and there would have helped.
last two winters, my older trees only need about half gal of water every month or so. once they are older and go into dormancy, it doesn't look like they need too much water at all during the winter.
also, last two winters with young trees, i noiced that leaves are not dropping like they should in winter. but we do have very mild winter here.