Winterizing conifers Question

16 years ago

Hello all!

So I have (10 to 12) different conifers that I planted in 4x4 inch plastic containers. Each tree was once a cutting. (Chamaecyparis to Taxodium)

Over this past spring and summer they have rooted and grown a couple of inches of new growth.

My question is, what do I do with the trees now that the winter is coming. I am worried the roots will freeze if I leave them outside. I have a garage with south facing window but garage isn't heated. I was wondering if anyone knows if it would be bad to bring them all inside the house? They have been dormant for a month or so.. Currently the trees are still outside, It got down to freezing last night..

I apologize if this subject has been talked about previously.

Thanks! : )

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Comments (6)

Embothrium
16 years ago
Try the garage. Don't let them freeze up like bricks or bring them in the house.
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
16 years ago
freeze is irrelevant with zone appropriate stock....

the issue is the pot collecting moisture and freezing into a solid chunk of ice ... ergo.. they need to be tipped over and laid flat .... or brought into a structure ...

they need dormancy .. they are not babies... you will kill them with too much love ...

they do NOT need sunshine ...

bring them into the garage ... and place an ice cube or snow ball on each pot .... helps add a bit of water if temps rise ...

in spring.. they will need to be hardened off to full sun.. by moving them out of the garage ... and into shade..

make sure.. they are taken out in early march .... that garage can easily be an extra zone or two.. and we dont want them budding out too soon ... remove them when the worst of the winter temps are past .... but before they start budding .... like the north side of the house .... where they will stay asleep.. but the pots wont warm to initiate growth ....

this is z5 method... 6 is close enough.. probably also for colder zones.... probably not for 7+

good luck

ken
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Embothrium
16 years ago
Roots of some plants appear to be about 20 degrees less hardy than tops. 4" pots are tiny, liable to be frozen all the way through.

It only takes one episode of a few hours below the plant's minimum temperature.
botann
16 years ago
I would put them in larger pots and then in the garage.
In our zone 8 climate, I would put them in at least a two gal. pot and either leave them out submerged in mulch, or plant them directly in the mulched soil outside.
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
16 years ago
or... put them all into a cardborad box.... open on top ... just some extra insulation ....

i was thinking one gal. pots .... i agree with boy and bot ...

when i said they dont need sunlight... i meant on the pots .... and i meant that they should not be near the garage window ... ambient light is just fine ...

but they dont need to be in a dark cave ...

ken
captinconifer14
Original Author
16 years ago
Great information guys!! Very insightful!
I will definitely try the suggestions given. I will most likely move them into larger pots and then into a cardboard box and put that in the garage.
I appreciate it very much.

Thanks!!!!! : )