Winter can be a challenging time for trees, but also is a season full of misconceptions. Understanding what’s true, and what isn’t, can help you to keep your trees healthy throughout the winter season.
- Myth- Trees Sleep All Winter: Trees are actually dormant in the winter, not sleeping. They conserve energy and slow their growth, but are still living organisms. Their roots also continue to absorb water throughout the winter to keep some processes going.
- Myth- Mulch isn’t Needed in Winter: Mulch helps to protect the tree’s roots from frost and soil temperature swings. It helps to act as an insulation and conserves moisture.
- Myth- You Can’t Plant Trees in Winter: Many trees can be planted in winter as long as the ground isn’t frozen solid. Dormant trees transplant easily because they aren’t actively growing. Early planting allows the roots to establish themselves before spring growth also.