Can You Plant Arborvitae In The Winter

You can plant arborvitae in the winter, and it’s actually a smart time to get these hardy evergreens into your landscape.
 
If you’ve been wondering whether you can plant arborvitae in the winter, the answer is yes under the right conditions.
 
Planting arborvitae in the winter works well because these trees are naturally adapted to cold weather and dormancy.
 
Many gardeners successfully plant arborvitae in the winter and enjoy beautiful, strong growth when spring arrives.
 
You can plant arborvitae in the winter as long as you pay attention to soil temperature, watering, and protection from elements.
 
In this post, we’ll explore why you can plant arborvitae in the winter, what factors matter most, and the best practices for winter planting.
 
Let’s dig into everything you need to know about planting arborvitae in the winter so your trees thrive.

Why You Can Plant Arborvitae in the Winter

You can plant arborvitae in the winter for several excellent reasons that benefit both the tree and your gardening schedule.
 
Let’s look at the main reasons arborvitae can be planted in winter with great success.

1. Dormancy Reduces Transplant Shock

When you plant arborvitae in the winter, the tree is in a natural dormant state.
 
Dormancy means the arborvitae isn’t actively growing leaves or branches above the ground.
 
Instead, when you plant arborvitae in the winter, the tree directs all its energy toward root establishment.
 
This is why arborvitae planted in winter often experience far less transplant shock than those planted in the heat of summer.
 
The tree barely notices it has been moved because its metabolism is already slowed down for the cold season.

2. Cooler Temperatures Mean Less Stress

Planting arborvitae in the winter protects the tree from heat stress that comes with warm-season planting.
 
When you plant arborvitae in the winter, cool air temperatures significantly reduce moisture loss through the needles.
 
This means the tree doesn’t have to work as hard to stay hydrated while its roots are getting established.
 
Less stress during the critical establishment phase leads to healthier arborvitae that grow faster in spring.

3. Roots Keep Developing Below Ground

Even though the top of the arborvitae looks still and quiet, roots continue growing beneath the surface.
 
When you plant arborvitae in the winter, the soil temperature is often still warm enough for steady root activity.
 
This underground growth gives your arborvitae a head start that pays off when spring growth begins.
 
Arborvitae planted in winter often emerge in spring looking fuller and more established than those planted later.

Factors to Consider When You Plant Arborvitae in the Winter

While planting arborvitae in the winter is absolutely possible, certain factors determine how well it works.
 
Here’s what you need to keep in mind when you plant arborvitae in the winter for best results.

1. Soil Temperature Is Critical

The most important factor when you plant arborvitae in the winter is whether the ground is workable.
 
You can plant arborvitae in the winter as long as the soil isn’t frozen solid more than a couple of inches deep.
 
If you can dig a hole easily without a pickaxe or heavy tools, the soil temperature is likely fine for winter planting.
 
If the ground is frozen hard, wait for a thaw before you plant arborvitae in the winter to avoid damaging roots.

2. Watering Still Matters in Winter

Many gardeners assume winter planting requires no watering, but that’s not the case at all.
 
When you plant arborvitae in the winter, the roots still need moisture to establish themselves in the soil.
 
Water deeply right after planting and check the soil every couple of weeks during dry winter periods.
 
Just be mindful not to overwater, as cold, soggy soil can lead to root rot in arborvitae planted in winter.

3. Timing Your Winter Planting Window

The best time to plant arborvitae in the winter is during a mild spell with temperatures above freezing for several days.
 
Late fall through early winter is ideal before the deepest cold of the season arrives in your area.
 
Avoid planting during extreme cold snaps or when the ground is waterlogged from snowmelt or rain.
 
When you plant arborvitae in the winter, aim for a window that gives roots a few weeks of mild weather to settle in.

Best Practices for Planting Arborvitae in the Winter

Follow these best practices to ensure success when you plant arborvitae in the winter.
 
Experienced gardeners use these techniques for arborvitae planted in winter with excellent results year after year.

1. Mulch Heavily for Insulation

Mulch is absolutely essential when you plant arborvitae in the winter for root protection.
 
Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the base of the arborvitae to insulate the roots.
 
A 3- to 4-inch layer of wood chips, straw, or shredded bark works perfectly for winter planting.
 
Mulch helps regulate soil temperature and protects roots from extreme cold when you plant arborvitae in the winter.

2. Protect from Wind and Frost

Winter winds can dry out arborvitae needles, a condition called winter burn that turns them brown.
 
When you plant arborvitae in the winter, consider wrapping the tree in burlap or setting up a windbreak.
 
This simple protection prevents moisture loss and keeps your arborvitae looking green through the cold months.
 
Arborvitae planted in winter benefit greatly from this extra care during their first season in the ground.

3. Choose the Right Arborvitae Variety

Not all arborvitae handle extreme cold the same way, so variety selection matters a lot.
 
When you plant arborvitae in the winter, pick a variety that matches your USDA hardiness zone perfectly.
 
Emerald Green, Green Giant, and Techny are excellent choices that handle winter planting very well.
 
Choosing the right variety increases the success rate when you plant arborvitae in the winter by a wide margin.

4. Skip the Fertilizer Until Spring

Fertilizing when you plant arborvitae in the winter can actually cause more harm than good.
 
Fertilizer encourages new tender growth, which is vulnerable to frost damage during cold weather.
 
Wait until early spring to feed your arborvitae after it has established roots over the winter.
 
Arborvitae planted in winter simply don’t need extra nutrients until active growth resumes in warmer months.

So, Can You Plant Arborvitae in the Winter?

You can plant arborvitae in the winter, and it can be a smart and successful landscaping strategy.
 
When you plant arborvitae in the winter with the right conditions, the trees establish well and grow strong in spring.
 
Planting arborvitae in the winter works best when the ground isn’t frozen, you water properly, and you protect from wind.
 
If you follow the best practices we’ve covered here, planting arborvitae in the winter will give you beautiful, healthy evergreens.
 
We hope this post has helped you understand how and why you can plant arborvitae in the winter for great results in your landscape.
 
Get your arborvitae in the ground this winter and enjoy a head start on next year’s garden growth.