Your potted trees should survive the winter if they are hardy for your climate and you give them some extra protection.

Because the roots of your trees are above ground, they will be exposed to colder temperatures than trees that are growing in the ground. Containers are exposed to air on all four sides, and also the top and bottom. You will need to keep the soil temperatures in the pots above freezing.

If you can, move the containers to a protected area. If you can’t move them, follow these steps:

• Group your potted trees and plants together
• Thoroughly water the plants (do not feed)
• Construct a protective cage around each plant from the pot to the top of the tree/plant using chicken wire or similar material
• Fill each cage fully with straw, mulch, wood chips, or shredded leaves
• Wrap each insulated plant/tree with burlap from top to bottom

In the spring, be sure to wait until there is no further threat of frost before gently unwrapping each plant/tree.

For more information about protecting trees in winter, please click here to visit: Gurney’s Seed and Nursery.

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