The first hint of green signals that spring is coming.  Once trees have begun leafing out, we know that spring Westchester county has sprung.  How do trees know when to bud leaves?  What happens if trees bud too early?

Dormant Trees

Trees are dormant throughout winter.  During dormancy, a tree’s metabolism comes to a standstill due to low temperatures and lack of sunlight.  Dormant trees are not dead, they are simply in a state of rest, as they await spring’s warmth.

Budding Trees:  How Do Trees Know When to Bloom

A look at different tree buds via Naturally Curious with Mary Holland

Did you know that your tree’s buds were most likely formed last summer?  It’s true!  These pre-formed buds are protected during winter dormancy by “bud scales”.

Tree buds are formed during summer and protected by “budding scales” through winter dormancy; via Wikipedia

The date your trees will begin budding depends on a variety of factors.  Factors which effect a tree’s budding cycle include temperature, location and tree type.  You can tell a tree is about to bud when weather becomes consistently warmer, and the days longer.  As nights shorten, the changing levels of the photoreceptor phytochrome triggers the trees to bloom.

Leafing Out:  Early Bloomers

Call Westchester Tree Life’s professional arborists for a plant health care plan, if your trees are blooming too early!

Early blooming occurs when warm temperatures plunge.  This temperature shock can stress your trees out, potentially damaging new growth.  If fruit and flower buds bloom too early, there is a chance they might not bloom again later in the year, while leaf buds are likely to bounce back.  If you are concerned about your tree budding too early, call Westchester Tree Life!