“Can I plant a tree in the winter?” you ask. Well, that depends on your area’s climate. If you live in an area that has mild, temperate weather all year long, you can plant a new tree in your yard. But in southwest Missouri, we know how cold and snowy winters can be. We’re going to assume that you live somewhere with frigid, frozen winters as well. With that restriction in place, the answer becomes more complicated. There are other factors to consider. During what month are you hoping to plant the tree? Is it a hardy evergreen tree or a young deciduous? What is the weather forecast? Note your answers to these questions and then keep reading for our answer to the original question: can I plant a tree in the winter?
Related Post: What Care Do Trees Need in Winter?
Can I Plant a Tree in the Winter?
Can I plant a tree in the winter? Yes, you can, but only if certain conditions apply. Consider the following:
Are We Talking Early, Mid, or Late Winter?
Early spring is one of the best times of the year to plant a tree, so if you decide to plant in late winter, you’ll be in good shape. Trees have an increased chance of surviving if they are planted before the buds open in spring. Plus, if there is melting snow or early spring rain, they will have an abundance of moisture to draw from as their roots surge in growth.
If you’re considering planting in early or mid-winter, think again. It’s nearly impossible to dig if the ground is frozen. But even if you dig the hole during warmer months and keep the tree watered (dryness is another problem with planting trees in winter), it is still not a good time to plant. The tree will likely struggle with cold temperatures, winds, ice, and snow.
Related Post: How to Prepare Your Garden for Winter
Is it a Deciduous Tree or an Evergreen?
It is best to plant trees when they’re dormant (because you aren’t as likely to disrupt their growth), so you need to consider if the tree is deciduous or evergreen. Deciduous trees do well if they are planted at the end of fall when their leaves are falling and they are beginning to go dormant, or (better yet) the beginning of spring before they have begun to bud. Evergreen trees, on the other hand, aren’t as finicky when it comes to their growth. You have a little more leeway, but you should still avoid planting them when it’s hot outside or very cold.
What Is the Forecast?
Do you think a young sapling will live if you plant it the week before a blizzard? Of course not! That’s about as likely as a baby surviving if you set its cradle outside on a cold winter’s night. If you’re anticipating any extreme weather like a snowstorm or ice, wait until the forecast is milder.
So, can I plant a tree in the winter? Yes, but you had better wait until the very end of winter when the temperature has warmed up and spring is just around the corner (but the trees aren’t budding yet). Intense heat and intense cold are both dangerous to newly planted saplings and moisture is important, so a more opportune time to plant would be early spring or fall. Good luck!
Tree Services at Nixa Lawn Service
If planting a tree on your own sounds like too much work, contact Nixa Lawn Service about our tree services. We can plant new saplings for you or we can examine older trees on your property, diagnosing and treating any problems that arise. Whether you want to add new trees to your yard or preserve old trees, call (417) 724-0318 today or request a tree services quote online.
