Temperate Trees

In Maryland, most bonsai trees can just be buried in the ground to winter over in their existing pot. If there is a possibility that the pot may crack, the tree can be repotted into one that won't before placing it in the ground. The photos at the right show club members repotting for winter. The soil should come up to the edge of the pot, and the area surrounding the pot should be well mulched.

You should also:

• Decrease watering as trees lose leaves and become dormant.
• Remove dead foliage/fruit including old needles on conifers.
• If soil is covered with moss, remove most of it.
• Fertilize sparingly and use a fertilizer with no nitrogen (0-10-10).
• Allow trees to experience light frost.
• Keep protected from drying winds, but some air circulation is good.
• Protect from possible damage of snow and ice.
• Protect trees from possible animal damage.
• Do not water if soil is frozen.
• Trees may be wintered in unheated garage, or under outside tables or benches if protected.

Tropical Trees

Tropical trees must be brought inside or placed in a greenhouse or similar structure for the winter, as they can not withstand winter Maryland temperatures. Because they grow year around, it is important that they be place in a bright place, and not in some dark secluded area. Also:

• Trees may be wintered in unheated garage, or under outside tables or benches if protected.
• These trees like warm temperatures and high humidity.
• They should be brought indoors when night time temperatures start to go below 50~55 degrees.
• Give the trees as much direct, bright light as possible.
• Cut back on fertilizing until the hours of sunlight begins to increase.
• Reduce watering.
• Return to outside when nighttime temperatures no longer fall below 55 degrees.
• When returning to the outside, do not place in direct sunlight immediately. Place in shade and gradually introduce them to full sun.