Can You Plant Trees in the Winter?

As winter approaches and colder, homeowners are eager to know whether they can put up trees in winter? The quick answer is yes. But, you should take into consideration the kind of tree you want to plant, your climate zone, and coming weather forecast. It's also important to consider when you plant your tree in the early or mid winter. Let's go over the various factors in greater detail to help you determine when is the right time to plant trees in your backyard.

Tree Type - Evergreen or Deciduous

If you're deciding to plant a tree during the winter, take into consideration the kind of tree you're looking at. Evergreens, such as spruce and pine trees--don't let their needles go. Since they require all the nutrients available before the ground is frozen and they are able to have a smaller space for planting as compared to deciduous tree. It is important to plant evergreens in a time when the soil temperature is not less that 60° F (16 degrees Celsius).

Deciduous trees, or ones which shed their leaves and fall dormant in winter, do not require more energy to withstand the cold winter months. This means that the temperature will decrease when planting them. To get the most benefit Deciduous trees should be planted in the spring or fall prior to when they start bloom in the spring, when the soil temperature temperatures are 50 degrees F (10 degrees Celsius) or more.

Climate Zone

The weather has a significant influence on when you are able to include a tree in your garden. For the entirety of Canada and the majority of Northern United States, fall is the best time to start planting trees. The summer heat has gone and the harsh temperatures of winter are still to come. For USDA the Plant Hardiness Zones 1--7, mid-August through mid-October is the best time to plant the new tree in your garden.

In southern climates, including Zones 8-11--you'll have longer time to put trees established. In November, and in December, are appropriate time when you can plant your trees. Florida, Louisiana, and southern Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina.

Upcoming Weather Forecast

Additionally, when taking into consideration how your environment is affected, unusual weather can affect the possibility of planting trees. For example, a particularly warm winter might be to plant trees, even if you reside in an area with a northern climate. However, a sudden storm of snow in early September should ensure that you delay planting any new trees into the ground.

Early, Mid, or Late Winter

The winter time can be separated into 3 distinct phases. Early winter typically is characterized by fall-like characteristics, which makes it ideal for the transplantation of saplings. But, if the ground freezes or the snow is falling, it's better to put off transplanting until late winter or the beginning of spring. In the end, young saplings are prone to frost damage and their roots could dry out when you plant them at midwinter, unless you're in a northern climate, where snow and cold don't pose an issue.

Special Considerations

Wherever you are or the kind of tree you'd like to plant, you can help your tree to survive winter by following these suggestions:

• Continue to water:Saturate the soil around the tree each one or two weeks until the ground begins to freeze. Give it a particularly thorough watering just prior to a large freeze.
• Mulch:The cycles of freeze and thaw are especially harmful to the young tree roots. Insulate the soil by putting down mulch to ensure a more constant temperature. Mulch also slows down evaporation, so the roots can soak up water more efficiently.
• Make sure the tree is staked: Windy winter conditions can hinder the growth of a sapling. Make sure the tree grows straight and solid by securing the tree to at least three stakes.
• You should consider applying anti-desiccant It is a substance which provides a waxy protective covering to broadleaf evergreens anti-desiccants help prevent the process of desiccation (drying out) in winter.
• Do not fertilize: Immediately after planting the sapling, you'd like the tree to grow strong roots, not brand new branches. It's fine to mix in a bit of bone meal and compost but you should wait until spring.
• Do not prune: Transplanting is stressful enough for a sapling, without removing one of its branches. The only exception is the case of a damaged limb during shipping and has to be removed.
• Protect your tree from deer: Make sure to protect the newly-planted tree against being a target for deer by treating it with a repellent for deer. You can also consider putting a protective tube around the tree's trunk to stop the deer from getting their antlers.