Apple tree question!

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MsKatt Charlevoix, MI(Zone 4b) Mar 12, 2008

We ordered two McIntosh apple trees back in December. They are to be shipped at the proper planting time for us. However, I just received an email stating that the trees have been shipped. I will probably get them on Saturday.

I think the ground is still frozen and we have at least a foot of snow still on the ground. Do I try to dig a hole or should I store the trees somehow for another week or two? It's supposed to start getting up to the 40s...

I'm really tree-ignorant...

Michelle in Michigan

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bettydee La Grange, TX(Zone 8b) Mar 12, 2008

If you have an unheated garage, you can keep them there. The cold garage should help keep them dormant. The biggest danger will be to the roots. You will need to keep the roots from drying out. If you have a big pot or tall 5 gallon buckets, place the trees in the buckets and cover the roots with moist potting soil. Moisten the potting soil before you use it to fill the buckets. Unless the buckets have drainage holes, don't pour water into the bucket or you could get root rot. The aim is to surround the roots with a humid environment so they won't dry out.

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CoreHHI Bluffton, SC(Zone 9a) Mar 16, 2008

Garage or a shed would do. Just keep them dormant. As soon as you can dig plant the trees.

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doccat5 Fredericksburg, VA(Zone 7b) Mar 16, 2008

As long as your garage is not freezing, you can put them in a bucket of water until your ready to plant. I have 3 new apple whips sitting on the porch waiting for us to get the holes dugs. Just double check the roots and remove any that might be damaged. They'll be fine.

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