[Grant]

We,ve been asked by a developer that we do a lot of wook for to plant 10 8 foot Nellie Stevens' hollies at an entrance ASAP. It was 12 degrees this am with highs this week in the lower 40's lows in the mid 20's. Presuming I can find suitable plant material do y'all think these trees will survive if planted now? Thanks for your input.

[VoodooChile]

Where are you? What are the site conditions? These are broadleaf hollies, right? Will supplemental water be available while they root establish and the snow still flies?

Developer, huh? Hope you got you contract air-tight and your plant warranty spelled out...

Good Luck!

[agla]

It is very risky business to plant broadleaf evergreens this time of year in places where it gets down to 12 degrees. The reason is that the soil around the plant and that in the root ball will not transfer water between each other. It is further complicated because it is hard to water them in very well in freezing temps. Broadleafs lose water over the winter, but can usually access it from capillary movement through the soil. You need god soil contact to have that happen.

I would ask them to sign a waiver so that you don't have to guaranty them. They may urvive, but it is risky.

[TrickyDick]

I agree completely with Agla. I would make sure they know it's a bad idea and that you cannot warranty them. If they still want to do it then you may have to do it. I would also agree with Voodoo that you are kind of playing with fire doing this kind of thing for a developer but in my experience things like being rational and caring about doing things right are not usually part of the game with those folks.

[NCSULandscaper]

for the added insurance, go ahead and spray them down with a anti transpirant(Wilt Pruf is one brand)

[agla]

Good advice, NCSU.

[LandArts]

I wouldn't dig hollies right now, but if you can find some that have been dug and heeled in for a while they might be fine. Even better would be big container stock but good luck finding any that will tip 8'. Here in NC the temps have gone from one extreme to the other and back again-not good for establishing new plantings.

[xxArbUtusxx]

I would definetly wait untill the ground thawed. I agree with agla that the soil is way to frozen in order to get good soil contact with the root ball. I can't imagine even digging the hole.
You are the plant professional and they should respect your advice on when to plant these. Even if they would sign a waiver would you feel good about planting something that you new would have a lesser chance of survival?
When people notice that the trees have failed they usually blame the landscaper not the developer who told them to plant it. Don't ruin your reputation for the developers sake.

[Grant]

Thanks for everyone's great advice! It looks like we've got a little warmer weather headed our way the beginning of nest week and staying around for a while. The ground is not frozen now. We've decided to plant the trees and spray with anti transpirant - no warranty. The developer with OK with this. We'll see how it goes. Thanks.