stupid question

[Dave E]

stupid question-pretty sure i know the answer.
having a tree(elm)shipped from a zone 10 in cali to a zone 7 in connecticut in (a very mild) dececmber,would it be a bad idea?

 

[YukiShiro]

not if you can protect it enough

 

[sorce]

I'd get it soon....and put it right out.

My stupid question......

Another one?

Sorce

 

[jeanluc83]

Unless you have a suitable place to overwinter the tree, I would see if it is possible to have the tree stay in California until spring. The weather in CT can turn on a dime. It's in the 50's today but next week it could drop to the teens. Is it really worth getting the tree a couple of months earlier if there is the potential of putting the tree at risk?

 

[Cypress187]

I guess it's ok if you don't stress / protect it.

 

[Nybonsai12]

What type of tree?
I usually check the zip code of where it's coming from to see what kind of consistent temps it's seeing and then compare it to the temps I am seeing and the temps i can offer by providing protection.

 

[DougB]

Most important is HOW is it to be shipped. If by ground it will languish in several trailers and distribution centers where the weather inside is as bad or often worse than outside. And the middle of the country has been having bad weather. If by air then you are somewhat better off. If the vendor is very experienced then you probably should rely on his/her judgement. Don't just look at what to do after you receive the tree, but how is it being shipped and how long will it take. Good luck.

 

[j evans]

Hard to answer, kind of like the question I am facing now, should I have ordered my Christmas Cards earlier? There are a lot of variables that play into the answer. Yes, I'm sweating.

 

[Dave E]

Another one?

yeah-gotta leave ebay alone,found another hokkaido and possibly a seiju

 

[Dave E]

I usually check the zip code of where it's coming from to see what kind of consistent temps it's seeing

did that already and it may actually be a little warmer here now

 

[jeremy_norbury]

What kind of Elm, Chinese?

What's the provenance prior to California?

If it's Chinese elm and actively growing, I'd absolutely provide a level of protection.

 

[GrimLore]

did that already and it may actually be a little warmer here now

I have learned when shipping off season that if the shipper packs correctly and it a three day delivery things work out "ok". I must tell you I have also learned that whenever I move a plant from a warmer climate to here I must Winter them with extra care the first year. Last year for example I received a PMJ Rhododendron in the Spring but from Florida. I did not protect it as they are very cold hardy - it died. This year I got another in Fall from a place in Westbrook CT. The newest growth on it died back at first light frost here BUT any growth since has done just fine and I plan on not protecting it as it seems ok with the move. I found that most local Junipers are grown in Florida and protect them the first Winter only - they acclimate and do well after that. With Junipers I had 28 shipped from SC to Al late season this year and most likely won't take any up here for at least a year and a half at a more proper shipping time allowing them to acclimate.. Many things to consider but it can be done.... In your case I would say if you don't do it yesterday(SOON) you will be less successful.

Grimmy

 

[JudyB]

It's all about the level of protection that you can provide while still allowing dormancy. Not out of the question given the weather that is forecasted for this winter. And esp. given the temps upcoming for a few more days. I would only worry about the transit time, but you can get expedited shipping. And yes, you should check with your vendor to see what they suggest. Elms are tough, I would not recommend this with some other types of trees. Elm should be ok, if you can protect it.

 

[Dave E]

thanks all, from the advice it sounds like i got a good shot at it,so i gave it a shot.

i actually just purchased one, the seller just put a bunch more up and the pics show them dormant -so it sounds like thats a plus.
2-3 day shipping.

 

[rockm]

If it were mine, I'd keep it inside in a bright sunny location for the winter and then get it outside in the spring ASAP.

If you plunk it outside now and it's still in leaf, you could be killing it. Dormancy is NOT induced by simple exposure to colder temps. It is a process that begins in mid-summer. In warmer climates, Chinese elm is almost evergreen and can hang onto leaves all year. Some varieties are more cold hardy than others. If the tree isn't dormant now it won't have time to prepare itself, or hasn't built up enough resistance, for immediate cold (below freezing) temps.

I tend not to let warm snaps make me believe the entire winter (or even the next week) is going to be warm. A plunge into the deep freeze is never far off in your location...

 

[Nybonsai12]

@rockm if one could keep temps cool but above freezing would there be less or no reason for concern? I would think as long as it's above freezing most trees would be ok, right?

 

[Dave E]

If it were mine, I'd keep it inside in a bright sunny location for the winter and then get it outside in the spring ASAP

would you do this even if the tree is dormant now(the picture shows it dormant)