How can we send you trees in a box? Because the fruit and nut trees are dormant right now! Dormant fruit trees can be safely shipped as long as their roots stay moist and they are kept cool (38°F to 45°F). Wondering when do fruit trees go dormant or when do fruit trees come out of dormancy? Typically, fruit trees enter dormancy in late fall and begin to emerge from dormancy in early spring, making this the perfect time for shipping.
Understanding Dormant Fruit Trees: When Do Fruit Trees Go Dormant and When Do They Come Out of Dormancy?
Why Dormancy Is Vital for Fruit Tree Health
Dormancy is vital for fruit tree health because it allows trees to survive the winter months and prepare for healthy growth in early spring. Dormant fruit trees are less susceptible to freeze damage and fruit drop, especially when freezing temperatures occur, as their energy is conserved during this time of the year.
Understanding when do fruit trees go dormant and when do fruit trees come out of dormancy is crucial for ensuring they receive the proper care, such as maintaining moist soil, using frost cloths to protect the tree canopy, and removing dead growth to help young trees and mature trees thrive when they break dormancy in early spring.
A Natural Cycle: Comparing Dormancy to Hibernation
A natural cycle, such as dormancy in fruit trees, is similar to hibernation in animals, where growth slows or stops during colder months. Dormant fruit trees experience a rest period during the winter months, with mature trees typically going dormant when freezing temperatures set in.
During this time, young trees and citrus fruit may experience leaf drop and fruit drop, but when do fruit trees come out of dormancy? They usually wake up in early spring, with moist soil helping them to rehydrate, while gardeners often use frost cloths to protect against freeze damage and manage the tree canopy. To ensure healthy growth, it’s important to remove dead branches, as this can improve the tree’s health when it comes out of dormancy.
What is Dormancy?
Dormancy (from the Latin dormire, to sleep) is the sleeping or resting state of a tree or plant. In fall, as daylight decreases and temperatures drop, trees react by producing growth inhibitor hormones. The hormones tell the trees to stop growing and the trees subside into their wintertime rest or dormant state. During dormancy many kinds of pruning can be done without damaging the tree. In our video, Tricia and Keith show how our bare root fruit and nut trees are pruned and packed for shipping. When the bare root trees arrive at your home or farm they will be heeled in or planted. Once planted, they are pruned again to create an easy-to-harvest tree. Watch our fruit tree pruning video to see just how dramatic these healthy pruning cuts can be.
When Does Dormancy End?
Each variety of tree has a different time when it breaks dormancy. Trees react to the weather and break dormancy after a specific amount of cold weather, measured as chill hours. The cold temperatures cause the decline of the growth inhibitors, and the trees begin to grow again. Many parts of the U.S. are having unusually warm winter weather.
Trees and plants are able to maintain dormancy during short bursts of warm weather, otherwise growth would start, then freeze when the normal winter weather returned. Make plans for your home orchard, with help from our Fruit Tree Central, a complete guide to our online educational resources about fruit and nut trees. Then order bare root trees and look forward to these big boxes appearing at your front door.
Types of Dormancy in Fruit Trees
Endodormancy
Endodormancy is a type of dormancy in fruit trees controlled by internal biological processes. During this phase, the tree undergoes a period of rest where growth is suppressed due to physiological factors, even if external conditions are favorable.
This internal dormancy is typically triggered by environmental cues, such as shorter daylight hours and cooler temperatures. For fruit trees, endodormancy ensures that growth does not resume prematurely during the winter months, preventing damage from freeze events.
As the tree progresses through endodormancy, it becomes ready to break dormancy once environmental conditions, such as warm temperatures in early spring, signal the end of this rest period.
Ecodormancy: External Environmental Influences
Ecodormancy is a type of dormancy in fruit trees that is primarily influenced by external environmental factors, such as temperature, light, and water availability. During ecodormancy, the tree's growth is temporarily halted due to unfavorable environmental conditions, even though internal processes do not fully restrict growth.
This type of dormancy is typically triggered by cold temperatures in the winter months, when freezing temperatures and frost limit the tree’s ability to grow. Once these external conditions become more favorable, such as in early spring when temperatures rise, the tree can break ecodormancy and resume growth.
Ecodormancy ensures that fruit trees remain in a dormant state until environmental factors, like adequate warmth and moisture, signal that it is safe to grow again.
Paradormancy
Paradormancy is a type of dormancy in fruit trees that occurs due to the influence of various plant parts on each other, often as a result of hormonal interactions. During paradormancy, growth is suppressed not by external environmental factors or internal biological clocks, but by signals from different parts of the tree, such as the buds, leaves, or roots.
For example, the growth of buds can be inhibited by hormones produced in other parts of the tree, like the roots or mature leaves, which can delay bud break and the start of new growth. This type of dormancy plays a role in regulating the tree’s overall growth cycle, ensuring that different parts of the tree are in sync with one another.
Once the inhibiting factors are reduced or removed, paradormancy is broken, allowing the tree to resume growth when conditions are right.
When Do Fruit Trees Come Out of Dormancy?
Chilling Hour Requirements Explained
Fruit trees come out of dormancy after fulfilling their chilling hour requirements, which refer to the number of hours spent at temperatures between 32°F and 45°F (0°C to 7°C) during the winter months. These chilling hours are essential for breaking dormancy and ensuring proper bud development.
Once the chilling requirement is met, the tree is able to transition into spring growth, typically in early spring when temperatures rise, and the tree can begin to bloom and leaf out.
Signs a Fruit Tree Is Waking Up
As fruit trees come out of dormancy, several key signs indicate they are waking up. The first noticeable changes include the swelling of buds, followed by the appearance of new leaves and flowers as temperatures warm in early spring.
Additionally, the tree may start to exhibit increased sap flow, signaling that it is resuming active growth after a period of rest during the winter months.
Risk of Early Bud Break and Late Frost Damage
When fruit trees come out of dormancy too early, they risk early bud break, where the tree begins to grow before the last frost has passed. This early growth can leave the delicate buds and flowers vulnerable to late frost damage, potentially affecting fruit production.
To mitigate this risk, gardeners can monitor weather forecasts and use protective measures, like frost cloths, to shield the trees during cold spells in early spring.
Dormancy by Fruit Tree Type
Apple Trees
Apple trees typically experience dormancy during the winter months, with the duration and timing varying based on climate and cultivar. In colder regions, apple trees may go dormant for several months, from late fall to early spring, as they require a certain number of chilling hours to break dormancy and promote healthy bud development.
The timing of when apple trees come out of dormancy is crucial, as early bud break can expose the tree to frost damage, affecting fruit production.
Pear Trees
Pear trees are known for their cold-hardiness and typically experience a deep dormancy during the winter months. These trees require chilling hours to properly break dormancy, ensuring that they bloom and set fruit in the spring.
While pear trees may seem 'sleepy' during this period, their dormancy is essential for their growth cycle, helping them thrive when warmer temperatures arrive.
Peach and Nectarine Trees
Peach and nectarine trees are more sensitive to chilling hours compared to other fruit trees, as they require a specific number of cold hours to properly break dormancy. In regions with mild winters, these trees may not accumulate enough chilling hours, which can lead to poor bud development and reduced fruit production.
Therefore, peach and nectarine trees thrive in areas with colder winters, ensuring they meet their chilling hour requirements before spring growth begins.
Cherry Trees
Cherry trees are often considered 'late sleepers' due to their tendency to enter dormancy later in the fall compared to other fruit trees. However, they are also 'early risers,' as they typically break dormancy and begin to bud earlier in the spring, especially in warmer climates.
This early growth can make cherry trees more susceptible to late frost damage, so protecting them during cold snaps is essential for ensuring a healthy crop.
Plum Trees
Plum trees have varying dormancy needs depending on the variety, with some requiring more chilling hours than others to break dormancy effectively. Cold-hardy plum varieties, such as European plums, generally need longer periods of dormancy in colder climates, while Japanese plums may require fewer chilling hours and can adapt to milder winters.
Understanding the specific dormancy requirements of different plum varieties is key to ensuring healthy growth and fruit production in the spring.
Citrus Trees
Citrus trees, unlike many fruit trees, are evergreen, meaning they do not fully enter dormancy in the winter months like deciduous trees. Instead of shedding leaves, citrus trees may experience a slight slowdown in growth during cooler temperatures, but they remain active year-round.
While they don’t undergo the same dormancy period as deciduous trees, citrus trees do require a period of cooler weather to set fruit, with mild dormancy behavior helping to regulate growth and fruit production.
Preparing Trees for Dormancy
Fall Maintenance Tips
Preparing trees for dormancy in the fall is essential for their health and resilience during the winter. Key steps include pruning dead or damaged branches, mulching around the base to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, and ensuring the tree has adequate water before the ground freezes.
Applying compost or fertilizer can also improve soil nutrients, helping the tree when it awakens in the spring.
Soil Management and Mulching Strategies
Mulching and proper soil management are essential for preparing trees for dormancy. A layer of mulch around the base insulates the soil, maintains moisture, and protects roots from freezing.
Ensuring the soil is well-drained and slightly moist before winter helps prevent root rot and provides a healthy environment as the tree enters dormancy.
Pest and Disease Control Before Dormancy
Before trees enter dormancy, it's important to address pest and disease control to prevent infestations during the winter months. Pruning infected or damaged branches and applying appropriate treatments, such as dormant oils or fungicides, can help reduce the risk of pests and diseases overwintering on the tree.
These preventative measures ensure the tree enters dormancy healthy and is better prepared for the growing season ahead.
Coming Out of Dormancy: Best Practices
Springtime Tree Inspection Checklist
As the weather warms, begin by inspecting your trees for signs of winter damage. Check the buds for proper swelling, as this indicates the tree is ready to begin new growth. Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged wood to promote strong, healthy growth.
This will not only help the tree recover from the winter but also prevent the spread of any potential infections or pests.
Supporting Growth with Proper Timing
Support the tree’s growth by waiting until the threat of frost has passed before applying fertilizers or making significant pruning cuts. Early fertilizing or pruning can stimulate new growth too soon, potentially damaging tender shoots if a late frost hits.
By waiting for warmer temperatures, you ensure that the tree’s natural growth cycle is supported, allowing it to flourish when the conditions are right.
Avoiding Frost Damage After Dormancy
After dormancy, spring cold snaps can still pose a threat to tender new growth. To protect delicate buds and flowers, use frost cloths or other protective coverings during unexpected frosts.
Be proactive in checking weather forecasts to prevent frost damage, as early spring freezes can harm emerging growth, reducing the tree’s fruit production and overall vitality. If needed, consider covering young trees or those with early budding flowers to safeguard them from the cold.
Conclusion
Dormant fruit trees enter a resting period during colder months, typically starting in late fall. Understanding when do fruit trees go dormant and when do fruit trees come out of dormancy is essential for proper care. Dormancy allows trees to conserve energy and survive freezing temperatures, making them less susceptible to freeze damage and fruit drop. Fruit trees typically emerge from dormancy in early spring, following specific chilling hour requirements.
During this time, gardeners should monitor for early bud break and frost damage, using protective measures like frost cloths to ensure healthy growth as the tree transitions from dormancy. You can explore a variety of nut trees and fruit trees for sale to enhance your orchard.
For more information try some of our favorite books on the subject: The Home Orchard from UC Davis and The Fruit Gardener's Bible.
FAQs: Dormant Fruit Trees – When Do Fruit Trees Go Dormant and When Do They Come Out of Dormancy?
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When do fruit trees go dormant?
- Dormant fruit trees typically go dormant in late fall as temperatures drop and daylight hours shorten. This period allows the tree to conserve energy and survive the cold winter months.
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When do fruit trees come out of dormancy?
- Fruit trees generally come out of dormancy in early spring when temperatures rise and the tree begins to rehydrate, especially if the soil remains moist. The exact timing depends on the tree species and the number of chilling hours it requires.
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How does dormancy affect citrus fruit trees?
- Citrus fruit trees, being evergreen, do not fully go dormant like deciduous trees. They may experience a slight slowdown in growth during the winter months, but they remain active and may still experience leaf drop or fruit drop in colder temperatures.
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How can I protect dormant fruit trees from freeze damage?
- To protect your trees from freeze damage during dormancy, use frost cloths to cover the tree canopy during unexpected cold snaps, especially in early spring. This helps shield delicate buds and new growth from freezing temperatures.
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What are signs that a tree is coming out of dormancy?
- As fruit trees wake up from dormancy, you’ll notice swollen buds, new leaf growth, and an increase in sap flow. Be sure to remove dead branches or damaged growth to support healthy growth as the tree emerges from dormancy.
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How should I care for dormant fruit trees during the winter months?
- During the winter months, ensure that your dormant fruit trees have access to moist soil, and consider adding mulch around the base to regulate soil temperature. For young trees and mature trees, removing dead or damaged wood is essential for healthy growth when they come out of dormancy.
