Can You Plant Trees In Winter? Setting The Record Straight

Wondering if your newly planted tree will survive freezing temperatures? Every gardener loves the idea of planting trees in winter but is it the optimal time to plant?

Can You Plant Trees In The Winter?

You can plant trees in the winter so long as the soil isn't frozen and won't be for a minimum of four to six weeks. Get those front yard trees in well before the season changes, and you should be okay.

Newly planted trees need time to establish their young tree roots. If the ground freezes, the young trees won't be able to get access to the water they need to survive and start growing properly.

Whatever you do, make sure you consider your planting zone before you decide on what tree to plant.

How Cold Is Too Cold To Plant A Tree?

For the most part, new trees actually do better in cold temperatures. The trees are dormant, and they have time to rest unlike during the peak of summer when it's hot, the soil is dry and they're constant flirting with drought.

This is why fall planting is typically perfect for new trees. It's not too cold so you can work comfortably, you don't have to worry about snow on the ground, and soil shouldn't be frozen for a long time.

As we said before, soil temperature is paramount. Get yourself a soil thermometer and measure the soil for a few days. If you are getting constant soil temperatures over 50°F, then you are good to go for planting a deciduous tree.

Over 50°F provides a bit of a buffer before the ground is sure to freeze. And as we said before, frozen soil will kill your trees and shrubs if they aren't established.

Keep in mind that if the soil is frozen, you aren't digging a planting hole no matter how good your tools are. Winter planting just might not be possible. The earlier in fall you plant, the more success you will have. Sometimes it might be best to wait until very early spring.

Do You Need To Water The Trees In The Winter?

Young trees need a well-watered environment to establish roots no matter when you plant them.

Winter planting to us means you have planted a tree in soil that isn't frozen and won't be frozen for about a month at least. You still need to water your new tree to get it established before the ground freezes even in colder temperatures.

If you have an irrigation system, you are going to need to toe the line. All irrigation systems need to be winterized before the water freezes in the line and ruins them. If you are planting in temperatures anything less than 50 degrees Fahrenheit, it's not worth the risk. Just wait until it's warmer.

Can You Plant Evergreen Trees In The Winter?

No, not really. If you want to plant an evergreen in the winter, the soil temperature needs to be over 60°F. If the soil temperature is over 60°F, is it still winter? Depends on your location, we suppose. That's still pretty warm in the North East!

Unlike deciduous trees, which go dormant, drop their leaves, and have the ability to solely focus their energy in their roots and root establishment, evergreens keep their pines all winter long. That means, young evergreen trees need to establish their roots and keep their pines alive which would be just too stressful for a younger tree.

We would avoid planting evergreens in early winter. Stick with deciduous trees. But if you plant evergreens at some other time during the year, they are some of the most cold hardy plants out there.

What Is The Best Season To Plant Trees?

Given all the evidence above, the best season to plant a tree is fall. In fact, most of you who think you are planting trees and shrubs in the winter, are actually just planting in late fall.

We know, we know. With the climate changing, it the lines between seasons are blurring which is why we suggest operating off data (like soil temperature) rather than 'the seasons changing.'

Nothing is an end all be all rule with planting trees and gardening. But for most trees, the guidelines above will be enough for you to get out there and start digging.