Can You Plant Trees During the Winter Season?
Can You Plant Trees During the Winter Season?
Depending on where you live in the United States, planting trees during the winter season may seem like a plausible option for you. Let’s discuss the dos and don’ts of planting trees during the winter to make sure it’s being done correctly and efficiently.
First things first, let’s talk about which trees do well when planted during the winter season.
Can Trees Be Planted During Winter?
Quite a few different types of trees do well when planted in the winter. Since deciduous trees and shrubs lose their foliage during the winter, it’s not too taxing for them to establish their roots and thrive with limited water before spring hits.
It is important to note that no matter what type of tree you decide to plant this season, you will want to make sure that the ground is not frozen and will not freeze for at least 4-6 weeks after you plant it.
Because of this, it’s best to only plant trees in areas where the ground doesn’t typically freeze in the winter season. For those of you in warmer areas, winter planting is actually an excellent idea since the trees will have as much time as they need to establish their roots before it gets hot outside.
If you aren’t sure if it’s a good idea to plant trees this winter in your local area, check with your local government or provincial extension service for recommendations.
Which Trees Should You Avoid Planting in the Winter?
While most trees do fairly well in warmer areas when planted during the winter season, you should avoid planting evergreens.
Since these trees hold on to their needs in the winter, it would be much more difficult for them to efficiently establish their roots and keep their needles’ moisture levels up due to a limited water supply. As we stated before, trees that lose their leaves or needles are a much better option.
A Guide to Planting Trees in the Winter
As stated before, you should make sure to plant new trees when the ground is not frozen, and won’t freeze for over a month afterward. If you are unsure of the ground temperature, gauge it with a soil thermometer. Ideally, the soil should be above 50 degrees before you attempt to plant anything.
Once you have your new tree planted, provide it with mulch and water it weekly until the ground freezes over.
For those of you in the San Francisco Bay Area, contact Arborist Now for further assistance with planting trees during this winter season. Give us a call today!
