Maintenance Landscaping Design

Winter trees is one of the most popular plants among gardeners. It is a hardy plant that can withstand cold temperatures and is known for its beautiful white flowers.

Also known as

• Christmas tree
  
• Fir tree
  
• Pine tree
  
• Spruce tree
  
• Cedar tree

Things to Know

• Winter trees are beautiful. The snow and the cold make them even more so.
  
• Winter trees need to be protected from the elements.
  
• Winter trees are at risk for being damaged by ice and snow.
  
• Winter trees need to be pruned properly.
  
• Winter trees need to be fertilized.
  
• Winter trees need to be watered.
  
• Winter trees need to be protected from wind damage.
  
• Winter trees need to be mulched.
  
• Winter trees need to be transplanted properly.
  
• Winter trees are an important part of the ecosystem.

Related plant:
Winter Shrubs

How to Grow

1. For winter trees, first step is to get some tree seeds. You can buy them from a nursery or online.
   
2. Fill a pot or seed tray with seed raising mix or good quality potting mix.
   
3. Sow the seeds in the mix, taking care not to plant them too deeply.
   
4. Water the mix well and keep it moist until the seeds germinate. This can take a few weeks.
   
5. Once the seedlings have germinated, transplant them into individual pots filled with good quality potting mix.
   
6. Place the pots in a sunny position and water them regularly.
   
7. Fertilise the trees every few weeks with a liquid plant food.
   
8. When the trees are big enough, plant them out into their permanent positions in the garden.
   
9. Water them well and continue to fertilise them regularly.
   
10. Protect the trees from frost damage in their first winter by covering them with a frost cloth or horticultural fleece.

Related plant:
Winterberry Holly

Considering the Soil

About soil condition, in winter trees the soil is very frozen and hard. You can walk on it, but it's not easy to get a shovel into it. The soil is also very dry, so if you have any plants that need watering, you have to be careful not to overwater them.

About light

So, like the other trees, winter trees need sunlight to live. They use sunlight to produce food for themselves through a process called photosynthesis. Without sunlight, winter trees would slowly die.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition in winter trees is that the leaves are dead, and the branches are barren. The leaves have fallen off the trees, and the branches are left exposed to the cold. This makes the trees more vulnerable to the cold, and they can easily die from the exposure.

Humidity Level

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 70%, and should not drop below 50%. Winter trees are susceptible to damage from low humidity, especially if the temperature is also low. Damage from low humidity can include leaf drop, browning of leaves, and death of the plant.

Fertilizer Requirement

About fertilizer, this family of plant food is important to the growth of trees, especially in the winter. Trees typically take up very little fertilizer during the winter months, but they still need some to keep their roots healthy. A healthy root system is essential to a tree's overall health and vigor.

Light requirement

Pruning trees during the winter months helps to ensure they stay healthy and strong. It also helps to encourage new growth in the spring. When pruning, be sure to remove any dead or diseased branches. Also, trim back any branches that are rubbing against each other. This will help to prevent damage to the tree.

The Propagation

Propagation is the process of producing new plants from a parent plant. This can be done through seed, cuttings, or division. Winter is a great time to propagate trees because the plant is dormant and can be easily moved. To propagate a tree from seed, collect the seeds in the fall and plant them in the spring. To propagate from a cutting, take a six-inch cutting from the parent plant and plant it in moist soil. To divide a plant, dig up the plant and divide the roots into two or three sections. Replant the sections and water well.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is significantly slower than in the summer. The winter trees growth rate is determined by several environmental conditions such as temperature, light, and water availability. In general, evergreen trees have a higher growth rate than deciduous trees.

Common Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are freezing and breaking of branches, as well as desiccation due to lack of moisture. Winter trees are also susceptible to damage from ice, snow and wind. In addition, winter trees are ofteninfested with pests such as aphids, scale insects and mites.

Basics of Growing

• Remember to water your winter trees regularly, as they will be more susceptible to drought stress during the colder months.
  
• Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your trees to help protect their roots and keep them warm.
  
• Be sure to fertilize your trees in late winter or early spring to help them recover from the winter and promote new growth.
  
• Keep an eye out for pests and diseases which can be more prevalent in the winter months, and take action to treat them if necessary.
  
• Prune any dead or damaged branches from your trees in late winter or early spring.
  
• If you live in an area with severe winters, you may need to protect your trees from the cold with burlap or blankets.
  
• Keep an eye on the forecast and be prepared to take action to protect your trees if a severe cold snap is expected.
  
• Remember that winter trees will be slower to bud and leaf

Related Plants

• tree beech
  
• elm
  
• linden
  
• ash
  
• maple
  
• chestnut
  
• birch
  
• oak
  
• willow
  
• poplar

Source:
Winter-flowering Trees and Shrubs - University of Florida
Prepare your trees for winter : Tree care tips from CSU experts
Preparing Trees for Winter - Cooperative Extension: Tree Fruits ...