To many, winter may seem like a bad time for gardening, but believe it or not, planting trees in winter is a great start to the upcoming growing season. Whether you want to plant evergreens, fruit trees or even pine trees on your property, winter planting has its obvious advantages. In this article I will tell you about them, as well as what you need to know about planting trees in winter, and based on my personal experience I will share some tips.
Why you should plant trees in winter
So can you plant trees in winter? My answer is yes, you can plant trees in the winter. At this time of year, trees are dormant, meaning they don’t spend a lot of energy on growth while getting enough time to strengthen their roots for the start of the spring season. Therefore, planting a tree in winter allows it to adapt quietly and build a strong root system. In the future, when it gets warmer, it will give positive results.
Let’s talk about the different types of trees.
1. Can evergreen trees be planted in winter
Again my answer is yes! Evergreen trees are well established and are relatively easy to plant in the cold season. These trees, compared to deciduous trees, slow down their activity somewhat, which gives them an easier time adapting to a new location. This applies to spruce, fir and pine. For them, winter planting is very useful.
My many years of experience suggests that planting evergreen trees in winter gives them time to develop a strong root system, seedlings get minimal inconvenience from transplanting. With the onset of spring, the trees will be ready for active growth.
Tip. To protect the roots from freezing when planting evergreen trees in winter, be sure to mulch the ground around them.
2. Is it possible to plant pine trees in winter
Of course, to the question of whether you can plant pine trees in winter, I will again answer – yes, but taking into account some peculiarities. For example, you should definitely make sure that the ground is not frozen. Otherwise, frozen soil will make rooting difficult, so it is better to choose a time when the soil is still soft and pliable. And don’t forget about mulching to insulate the root system of pines.
Pines are known for their relative unpretentiousness, and winter is a great time for them to adapt before they start growing vigorously in the spring. I would advise starting with small young pines as they get used to new conditions more easily.
3. Can fruit trees be planted in winter
This is one of the most frequently asked questions: can I plant fruit trees in winter? If you consider a few nuances, my answer is yes. Many fruit trees, such as apple, pear, and cherry trees, benefit from planting in winter because they get a chance to strengthen their root system in time for the start of bloom.
Fruit trees with open root systems are especially good for winter planting. These trees are sold without soil around the roots, making them much easier to transport and plant in cold conditions. In my orchard, I planted several open-rooted apple trees in December, and by the following summer they had grown quickly and well.
However, it is important to protect fruit trees planted in winter. To do this, it is important to provide them with a good layer of mulch around the base and, if necessary, wrap the trunks with special protective materials to avoid damage from frost or rodents.
Benefits of planting trees in winter
There are many benefits to planting trees in winter. Here are a few reasons why it’s worth trying:
- Less stress on the tree. When trees are planted in the winter, they experience less stress from moving, which is beneficial to their future growth
- Cooler weather. Summer heat can be hard on new trees, so winter is a great time to plant. In cooler weather, the tree is better able to strengthen its root system rather than wasting energy fighting heat stress.
- More affordable options.It’s during the winter that nurseries often have great deals on seedling purchases. If you’re looking to save money, winter shopping and planting is your time.
Tips for planting trees in the winter
Here are a few tips:
1. Choose the right time
Time is a crucial factor in this case. While winter is a great time to plant, it’s important to make sure the soil isn’t frozen…. If you live in a region with mild winters, such as the Pacific Northwest, you can plant trees all winter long. In colder regions, it’s better to target late fall or early winter, before the soil freezes, or late winter, just before spring.
2. Dig the right size hole
Make sure you dig a hole at least twice as wide as the root ball and deep enough for the tree to be at the same depth as it was in the nursery. This will give the roots room to grow and root. It has been proven, the wider the hole, the better your tree will grow.
3. Water regularly
Although a tree doesn’t need as much water in winter as it does in summer, it is important to keep the soil slightly moist. Avoid overwatering, as excess moisture can ice and damage the roots.
4. Mulch, mulch, mulch
I won’t get tired of saying it. Adding a thick layer of mulch around the base of the tree is a crucial step to protect the roots from extreme temperatures. Mulch also helps retain moisture and prevents weeds in the spring. But be sure to keep the mulch a few centimeters away from the trunk to help prevent rot.
What trees can be planted in winter
Summarizing all of the above here are a few suggestions based on my personal experience of which trees can be planted in winter.
- Evergreen trees. Spruce, fir and pine are great options that do well in the winter.
- Fruit trees. Apple, pear and cherry trees can be planted with an open root system in winter.
- Deciduous trees. Oak, maple and birch trees do well when planted in the winter.
You can find some of these trees online or at local nurseries. I found a great option for buying open root system trees at (this Amazon site), where you can also find tree protection materials to help your trees grow through the winter.
To summarize
Planting trees in the winter may seem like a daunting task, but once you get started, it will change the way you think about gardening. Whether you want to plant fruit trees, evergreen trees, or pine trees on your plot, winter is a good time for your gardening hobby.
And remember that a good result of winter tree planting depends on preparation, proper timing and careful care during the cold season. In just a few months, your trees will delight and surprise you with blossoms and vigorous growth.
If you’re interested in learning more about how to prepare your garden for winter planting or how to maintain a healthy tree ecosystem on your property, check out this guide to rehabilitating an abandoned garden. You’ll find tons of helpful tips there to keep your garden happy all year round!
Have you tried planting trees in the winter? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below.
