In my many years as an arborist in the Pacific Northwest, USA, one of the most confusing topics to my customers is about the state of dormancy that all plants, trees, shrubs, down to the smallest flower go through. Winter is the typical time of year when most plants go dormant.

Plants do not “die” in the winter.They simply go dormant in order to conserve energy during periods of adverse conditions.In the fall, temperatures begin to drop, and the days shorten in length, and rains will pick up in earnest.These environmental changes trigger deciduous plants to drop their leaves and evergreens to slow new growth. Dormancy is simply a period of reduced plant growth, to prepare soft tissues for a period of harsh conditions. Fall and winter are the best examples of plants using this survival tactic, but other adverse conditions can also trigger dormancy so plants will survive.

Your trees and shrubs may look totally inactive during dormant periods. Deciduous plants will loose all of their leaves, while evergreen plants will take on brownish, tan or copper hues.However, all trees and shrubs still continue to grow roots, respire, take in water and nutrients, albeit, at a much slower rate. This activity regulates their metabolism during stressful high winds, snows, and ice. Roots accumulate and store carbohydrate reserves, starting in late summer for nourishment, when cold and wet limit what they can pull from the soil. Those reserves also supply valuable nutrients to help the plant break dormancy in the spring.

Winter can be difficult for trees and shrubs. But, in the Pacific Northwest, it can be a good time to plant new trees.Our winters rarely become so cold that the ground freezes, and our rain fall is always pretty dependable!Bare Root trees and some shrubs are usually available in nurseries long before the end of winter. Rhodendrons transplant best in November or December, and Roses are best planted or transplanted in the early, early spring – February or March.Mulching young plants or marginal plants that are vulnerable to fluctuations of temperature will help to protect them form harsh winter weather.

There is still plenty that can be done to protect a dormant tree or shrub.Dormant treatments to keep them free of certain tree insects and tree diseases, and the pruning of dead wood, and to shape them up nicely, can be done in the winter.Fertilizing with a balanced fertilizer, designed for our Northwest soils can be done all through the fall, winter and early spring.

Give the Certified Arborists at True Care Inc. Tree Service a call for all your pruning, dormant spraying, or fertilizing needs.

503-678-5388