Trees that are sold bare-root in particular should be planted out during the dormant period of vegetation - if possible between October and the beginning of April. However, what if there is frost or late frost - can the newly planted trees then freeze to death? In the following article you will find out why planting is often possible even in frosty weather and when it is better to refrain from doing so.
Hardy trees can also be planted in winter
Why you can plant trees in winter
In winter, trees and other plants are in the dormant phase: no photosynthesis takes place - i.e. the conversion of sunlight into sugar - and the tree has reduced its life systems to the bare essentials. At this point you can plant or transplant even large and old trees, because you will not disturb them in terms of nutrition or growth. A tree transplanted in summer often has major problems growing back at the new location due to the subsequently reduced root mass. After all, it has to regenerate its roots at the same time and nourish its above-ground components - which are exposed to a high level of evaporation due to the lush foliage of deciduous trees. Planting is best done on a winter day with an overcast sky, with slightly below zero temperatures not being a problem.
Only plant hardy tree species during frost!
However, there is a serious restriction when planting trees in winter: you may only plant hardy and frost-hardy species in the ground when the temperature is below zero. On the other hand, more sensitive plants or species that are not yet sufficiently hardy as young trees may not be planted when there is frost.
No planting if the ground freezes
Planting in frost is possible as long as the ground is not frozen and you can easily work it with a hoe and spade. However, frost-free soil is not only important for practical reasons: for a tree to grow, its roots must be tightly surrounded by soil, no air pockets may remain. On the other hand, if the ground is frozen, the tree cannot take root properly because the solid clods of earth are not fine enough. Once the rootstock is in the ground, the trees usually cope well with the freezing temperatures. However, only water them immediately after planting - by the end of the year the soil is generally moist enough for the young trees to take care of themselves.
tips
Trees cultivated in pots must be watered regularly, even in winter. Incidentally, this also applies to very dry and sunny winters, although watering is only possible as long as there is no ground frost.