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Winter Tree Planting- The Best Trees to Plant in the Winter

by | Dec 23, 2024 | Winter Tree Planting

Many people consider winter tree planting a viable option, and for good reason. While trees may not look lush and healthy during the winter, there are things going on underneath the soil. Trees will continue to establish their roots underground. This means trees can focus all their energy on root development without putting any energy into foliage production as they do in the summer.

Another benefit is increased moisture availability. Winter brings increased snow and rainfall, which can help provide natural moisture that benefits newly planted trees. Other benefits include cooler temperatures, reduced sunlight, a wider selection of trees to pick from in the nursery, and more! Now that you know the benefits, what steps are required for winter tree planting? Read on to find out!

Ideal Trees For Winter Planting

One type of tree that is ideal for winter planting is deciduous trees. Deciduous trees are trees that shed their leaves during the fall. These trees are maple trees, elm trees, crabapple trees, linden trees, and hawthorn trees. But what makes these trees the ideal choice for winter tree planting? These trees enter a dormant state during winter, where they shed their leaves. This helps the trees concentrate more on establishing their roots.  The cooler temperatures and reduced sunlight also minimize stress for deciduous trees. This helps acclimate them to their new wintry environment. Lastly, although the trees look ‘dead’ right now, when spring comes, they are ready to sprout new leaves and shoots as the temperature matures. This gives them a head start over other trees during the spring season.

Another ideal group of trees you can grow for the winter is the iconic evergreen tree. Those are the trees you see that are practically synonymous with Christmas time. Most Christmas trees are fir trees, a kind of evergreen tree. Other evergreen tree species are the white spruce, Norway source, colorado blue spruce, black hills spruce, and spartan juniper. There are many more species (thousands!), but those are some of the most common ones. You do need to be careful about which evergreen pieces you choose, though. Certain evergreen trees, like the white spruce, can endure extremely cold temperatures. Other evergreen species, like the Leyland cypress and Norway spruce, are not as hardy. It is important to familiarize yourself with the different evergreen tree types before you start winter tree planting.

A group of trees in the snow with vehicle tracks in the foreground.

What to Expect for Winter Tree Planting

After you have chosen your tree species, there are a few things you need to do when you start planting. These guidelines pertain to most tree species when it comes to winter planting. The first thing you’ll want to do is pick your ideal location. This location site should have adequate sunlight, good drainage, and space for the tree to grow. Next, check the soil temperature. The soil should be above 50℉ for deciduous trees and above 60℉ for evergreens. You can use a soil thermometer to check the soil temperature and if it is good to plant your tree. Lastly, it is time to plant the tree. Digging a hole twice as wide as the tree’s root ball and about the same depth is best. This will help the roots to spread easily into the soil. Once you have planted the tree, you can water the area, which will help the soil settle and give the roots moisture. You can also apply mulch around the base of the tree, which helps regulate the soil’s temperature and retain moisture.

Once you have planted your winter tree, it is time to maintain it. This requires regular upkeep. One thing you can do to protect your tree is to put tree guards around your tree. During the winter, hungry animals, especially young deer, might want to take a bit out of your tree. Tree guards prevent animals from getting to your tree. The most important thing is to continue to water your tree. It does look like it is dead and dormant, but it still requires moisture. It would help if you watered your newly planted tree as soon as you planted it before the surrounding ground freezes. You should water our tree every two weeks with about 10-15 gallons if any dry spells occur without any snow cover. You can also prune your tree by removing dead, damaged, or diseased branches. This will help young trees develop a strong framework for when spring comes.

A deciduous tree shedding its leaves in the snow with a house in the background.

Things to Keep in Mind for Winter Tree Planting

One last thing to remember when you are winter tree planting is to monitor the soil moisture levels. It helps establish the roots and promote root growth. It is also important to be prepared for winter threats to your tree, like heavy snow, ice, and strong winds. These can damage newly planted trees, so you can protect your tree by covering it with burlap wraps or supporting it with stakes to combat heavy winds. As long as you prepare ahead of time by monitoring your local weather patterns, you’ll be able to plan for any unexpected weather patterns that may cause damage to your tree.

A workman pruning a tree limb with a chain saw.

Conclusion

In conclusion, winter tree planting is a great idea if you want to have a lush and healthy tree that will give you a head start for new growth by spring. Providing a strong start for winter tree installation is vital, considering location and timing. That’s why it is recommended to have expert assistance when it comes to tree planting. We at Divine Lawns provide many useful tree services to meet your needs. We offer eco-friendly lawn care and trimming and pruning services to help maintain your winter tree’s health. Our team pays unparalleled attention when caring for your trees, so you can rely on us to keep them in their best health and appearance!

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