Trees sold bare-root in particular should be planted during dormancy - if possible between October and the beginning of April. But what if there is frost or late frost – can the newly planted trees 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 avoid it.
Can you plant trees in frost?
Trees can be planted in frost as long as the ground is not frozen and the tree species is hardy. The dormancy in winter allows planting without disturbing growth. Slightly sub-zero temperatures are usually not a problem.
Why you can plant trees in winter
In winter, trees and other plants are in the dormant phase: there is no photosynthesis - 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 large and old trees yourself, because you will not disturb them either in terms of nutrition or growth. A tree that is transplanted in the summer often has major problems growing again in the new location due to the subsequent reduced root mass. Ultimately, it has to re-form the roots and nourish its above-ground components at the same time - which are exposed to high levels of evaporation due to the lush foliage of deciduous trees. It is best to plant on a winter day with an overcast sky, although slightly below zero temperatures are not a problem.
Only plant hardy tree species when there is frost
However, there is a serious restriction when planting trees in winter: you are only allowed to plant winter and frost-hardy species in the ground at temperatures below zero. However, more sensitive plants or species that are not yet sufficiently hardy as young trees must not be planted in frost.
No planting if the ground is frosty
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 important for more than just practical reasons: for a tree to grow, its roots must be tightly surrounded by soil and there must be no air pockets. If the ground is frozen, the tree cannot root properly because the solid clods of earth are not finely crumbly enough. As soon as the rootstock is in the ground, the trees usually cope well with the frosty 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 be adequately supplied.
Tip
Trees grown in pots need to be watered regularly, even in winter. This also applies to very dry and sunny winters, although watering is only possible as long as there is no ground frost.
