Planting trees in Winter

Winter time is the best time to purchase and, in some places, plant trees. Due to the short days and cold temperatures, trees are in their dormancy; their respiration rate and nutritional needs are at a minimum. Nurseries can therefore offer "bare root" trees, bushes and vines--these are one to two year-old plants with their roots packed in newspaper, sawdust or burlap. If you live in a warm climate, planting is easiest a day or two after it has rained, when the soil has been loosened by the moisture, but is no longer wet. In a cooler climate, you may have to wait for the snow to melt a bit, and the ground to thaw, but do make every effort to plant the tree before spring gets into full swing. Store a dormant tree out of direct sunlight and don't let the roots dry out entirely.

• Winter time is the best time to purchase and, in some places, plant trees.
• In a cooler climate, you may have to wait for the snow to melt a bit, and the ground to thaw, but do make every effort to plant the tree before spring gets into full swing.