Do Tree Roots Grow in Winter? This Is What Happens in This Time of Year

Do you ever wonder what happens to your trees’ roots when the temperature starts to drop? It can be easy to think that they stay dormant until springtime. But, do tree roots grow in winter? We invite you to continue reading to learn the answer!

Your trees’ branches, trunk, and leaves are the only things you can see. But, what happens below the surface is extremely important. Even though you don’t see the root systems, they are vital for your tree’s health. So, you must learn what happens to them in every season of the year.

For this reason, you should pay more attention to them during the winter months. Even though you can’t see the roots, there are several things you can do to protect them and ensure healthy tree root growth.

Keep reading to learn if roots continue to grow during the cold season!

Do Tree Roots Grow in Winter? Find Out Now!

As spring starts, you can see your trees start to sprout new leaves. But, it’s impossible for you to see when the roots are growing. However, a healthy and thriving tree is a sign that the root systems are healthy as well.

Since roots are underground, they are less vulnerable than other parts of a tree. But, this doesn’t mean that they can’t get damaged.

There are some visible root signs that can tell you if your tree is sick. So, you should pay close attention to them.

Just as you take care of your trees’ branches and leaves, you should take care of the roots. This is because your trees get the water and nutrients they need from the roots.

When Do Trees Grow the Most?

Most trees grow the most during late spring and very early summer. This is the time where you’ll see new leaves and flowers sprouting. In other words, it is when your trees are thriving the most.

Also, there are some trees that will experience a smaller growth spurt in early fall. However, this only happens to some species of trees.

If you want to know when do trees grow the fastest, then you may be disappointed. This is because there is no definite answer as to when they experience faster growth. But, you can expect it to be around the same time that they grow the most.

Trees thrive and the roots grow when they have the nutrients they need. These nutrients are found in the fertilizers used on trees. So, if you have not been fertilizing your trees, then you can expect that root growth has slowed down.

Do Trees Grow in the Winter?

So, we’ve said that trees grow the most during spring. But, what do they do in the colder months?

Do trees grow in the winter? The answer will depend on soil temperatures. When the ground temperature is above freezing, your tree roots will continue to grow during the winter months. However, when the soil temperature starts to drop, tree root growth pauses.

When the soil starts to warm up, root growth will continue. But, you can expect a pause from November to April. If the ground temperature doesn’t drop that much, then the roots will slowly continue to grow.

Your tree roots will not stop growing as soon as the temperature is freezing. This is because they have retained nutrients that will help them experience a little bit of growth. If there are enough nutrients and water in the soil, then your roots will search for those.

Even though they might grow a small amount in the colder months, you can’t expect to see new buds sprouting. You will have to wait for that when springtime comes around.

What Happens to Tree Roots in the Winter?

As we mentioned before, root activity will depend on soil temperatures. Roots will experience minor growth during the winter if the temperature below ground is right.

But, other things can happen to your tree roots if the temperature drops too much. During the winter months, roots can go into dormancy and rest until springtime comes around.

An interesting fact is that there are some trees that may be active while some are not even within the same tree!

As we said before, roots will search for nutrients and water in the soil. As a result, they expand and experience that little bit of growth during the winter. If they are able to find and absorb soil water, then they can avoid winter desiccation.

How Can You Protect Your Tree Roots During Winter?

Protecting your tree roots during the winter is vital if you want them to continue growing in the spring. If the temperature has dropped below freezing, then you must be extra careful.

Mulching is a tree care tip that is very beneficial during winter. A thick blanket of mulch will prevent moisture loss and provide soil insulation.

When you’re applying the mulch, make sure that you cover an area of about two feet around the base of the tree. However, make sure that the mulch doesn’t touch the trunk. If it does, then it could cause the trunk to rot.

Make sure that you keep the ground around your trees very moist. And since you have the mulch, it will help prevent a lot of moisture loss.

Another thing you can do before winter is fertilization. If you deeply fertilize your tree’s roots during early spring, then they will be less vulnerable during the winter. This is because the fertilizers will feed and strengthen the roots.

So, do tree roots grow in winter? It will depend on the ground temperature and how well you take care of them. Remember that the success or failure of your tree roots making it through the winter relies on how well you cared for them during the spring.

If you want to see your trees thrive and sprout new buds in the next spring season, then make sure you take proper care of them during the other seasons. As a result, you’ll have healthy and strong trees for a long time.