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For a hot second I considered calling this post “A Winter 3-Way” but I’d hate for a poor choice in title to keep this post from getting through someone’s filter. Of course, putting it in the first paragraph is probably no better. Oh well.

It’s the last week in November in Northern Virginia (in most places, truth be told). While the weather has been rather mild here, this is about the time of year I tuck my trees in for the winter by putting them in a place and manner that will provide some protection from the coldest weather of the season.

This year there are three ways I am arranging trees that will each provide different levels of protection.

#1 Least Shelter – some trees are just placed on the ground with a couple of my benches tipped and arranged to offer a slight barrier from strong, desiccating winds. Simply being in the ground will keep the roots (the most sensitive part of the trees in winter) several degrees warmer than if they were still up on benches. This arrangement also provides the most sunlight and is my choice for the larger conifers that will continue metabolic activity whenever the temperatures are warm enough (above 42 degrees by most sources).

#2 Light Shelter – For the first time this year I am using this temporary greenhouse structure to provide shelter for a number of smaller bonsai. Trees inside the greenhouse will have more protection from wind and will still get a good amount of light. The jury is still out on temperatures, though. The trees on the shelves don’t have the benefit of being on the ground like option 1, but the shelter will moderate temperatures to some degree when it is closed up for a cold spell. I will be monitoring this as we go through the winter.

#3 Most Shelter – Finally, I have this plastic covered shelter up against the house. Because it benefits from the warmth of the house, this space can easily run 10 or more degrees warmer than outside air temperatures. It is built below the deck, however, so gets only minimal light in the morning. This is my choice for most of my deciduous trees.

No matter where they are stored, all trees will still need to be checked for moisture throughout the winter.

Here’s hoping for successful protection, and a strong response in the spring!