Will A Warm Winter Confuse Your Trees and Plants?

Many folks are concerned that a warm winter is creating confusion for their trees and plants. Even though there is worry about plants interrupting dormancy and flourishing too soon, raising their vulnerability to frost, most trees remain dormant.

​Consider the suggestions below before becoming too concerned.

It is normal to see bulbs beginning to emerge. Every plant species reacts differently to changes in temperatures. Though for the time being, most will be accepting to freezing temps.

Don’t be in a rush to start pruning. Bear in mind that pruning new growth and that new growth is more vulnerable to freezing temperatures. Prune pear and apple trees in mid-February, and stone fruits in mid-March. For colder mountain valleys, start pruning a couple of weeks after the Wasatch Front timing.

Don’t till garden soils too soon. Tilling wet soil harms the structure of the soil, creating a compacted layer and hard clods that are hard to deal with later while planting. If you are unsure about when to till, contact York PA Tree Service for assistance.

Most pertinent now is the total lack of winter moisture. The more occupied areas of the state get close to 60 percent of standard precipitation. If the present situation continues, the next growing season can be complex.

Resist the urge to cut off on automatic irrigation systems until April or May. Warm temps do not really mean that plants must be watered. Deep-rooted landscape plants have long root systems that can get to the moist soil better than most folks realize. Homeowners turn on automatic sprinkling systems numerous weeks before the plants truly need it.

There is nothing that can be done about the warm temps but just enjoy them. It is way more vital for you to be aware of your water supply down the road, conserving whenever and wherever you can.

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