Can You Plant Conifers in December?

Yes, you can plant conifers in December, provided the ground is not frozen and you choose the right species. Planting during this dormant season often reduces transplant shock and gives roots a head start before spring growth begins. However, success depends on soil temperature, preparation, and aftercare, so understanding the conditions that make December planting work is essential.

Is December Really a Good Time to Plant Conifers?

December can be an excellent time to plant many conifers, especially in regions with mild winters. When a conifer is dormant, its energy shifts to root development rather than top growth. Planting while the soil is still workable but the air is cool allows roots to establish slowly without the stress of summer heat.

The key factor is soil temperature rather than air temperature. Conifer roots will continue to grow as long as the soil is above about 40°F (4°C). In many parts of the US and UK, December soil temperatures remain within this range. The biggest risk is planting into frozen ground, which prevents root contact with soil and can lead to desiccation.

For gardeners in USDA hardiness zones 7 through 10, December planting is generally safe and often recommended. In zones 4 through 6, planting in early December is possible if the ground hasn't frozen yet, but late December carries more risk. In zones 3 and colder, December planting is rarely advisable unless you can keep the root ball consistently above freezing.

What Types of Conifers Can You Plant in December?

Most evergreen conifers that are hardy to your zone can be planted in December. The best candidates are those with strong root systems and good cold tolerance. Common choices include:

Yew (Taxus) – exceptionally hardy and tolerant of planting in cooler soil
Arborvitae (Thuja) – widely used for hedges, performs well with dormant planting
Cedar (Cedrus) – suitable for milder winter climates
Pine (Pinus) – many species establish well when planted during dormancy
Spruce (Picea) – cold-tolerant and often successful in December
Fir (Abies) – best planted early in the dormant period before deep cold

Avoid conifers that are borderline hardy for your zone, as December planting leaves less time for roots to anchor before a hard freeze. Also skip any conifer that shows signs of stress, such as discolored needles or damaged bark.

Bare-Root vs. Container-Grown in December

Container-grown conifers are the safest option for December planting. Their root systems remain intact, and the potting mix holds some warmth. Balled-and-burlapped trees are also fine as long as the root ball is not frozen or overly dried out. Bare-root conifers are much riskier in December because their exposed roots can dry out or freeze before they make good contact with the soil. If you must plant bare-root, do it in early December and protect the root zone immediately.

How to Plant Conifers in December (Step-by-Step)

Follow this six-step process to give your December-planted conifer the best start:

Check the soil first. Drive a shovel into the ground. If it hits frozen soil or the ground is waterlogged, wait for a thaw or choose a different planting site. Frozen soil prevents root spread and can suffocate the plant.
Dig a wide, shallow hole. Make the hole two to three times the width of the root ball but no deeper. The top of the root ball should sit level with or slightly above the surrounding soil. Planting too deep in December can trap moisture against the trunk and cause rot.
Amend only if needed. Conifers generally prefer native soil. If your soil is heavy clay or pure sand, mix in 20% well-rotted compost or a high-quality organic planting mix to improve drainage and structure. Do not add fertilizer at planting time.
Position the conifer carefully. Center it in the hole and ensure it stands straight. Backfill with native soil, gently firming as you go to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after backfilling to settle the soil.
Mulch generously. Apply a 3- to 4-inch layer of organic mulch such as wood chips or bark around the base, keeping it away from the trunk. Mulch insulates the root zone and moderates soil temperature swings.
Water once more before a hard freeze. If no rain is expected, give the conifer a deep watering before the ground freezes. This ensures roots have moisture to draw on during cold spells.

What About Potted Conifers vs. Balled-and-Burlapped?

The main difference between these two forms lies in how they handle transplant shock in cold weather. Potted conifers have their roots contained in potting mix, which warms faster than native soil in late autumn. That warmth encourages early root growth into the surrounding ground.

Balled-and-burlapped conifers retain a soil ball held together by natural burlap. In December, the root ball may be dense and slow to warm. You should remove any synthetic burlap, wire, or twine from the root ball before planting, as these materials do not rot quickly and can girdle roots. Natural burlap can remain in place if you slit it in several places to allow root penetration.

A useful tool for checking root ball temperature and soil moisture is a soil thermometer with a moisture gauge. This helps you avoid planting when the root ball is too cold or too wet.

Care Tips for Newly Planted Winter Conifers

After planting in December, your conifer will need limited but specific care. The goal is to prevent stress from cold, wind, and drying.

Watering in Winter

One of the biggest mistakes is assuming conifers need no water in winter. Evergreen conifers lose moisture through their needles even when dormant, especially on sunny or windy days. Water your newly planted conifer deeply every two to three weeks if the ground is not frozen and there has been no rain or snow. Use a slow-release root watering tool to deliver water directly to the root zone without wetting the foliage.

Protection from Wind and Sun

Wind and winter sun can cause needle desiccation or winter burn. Conifers in exposed sites benefit from a windbreak made of burlap or a commercial anti-desiccant spray applied to the foliage before temperatures drop below freezing. This coating reduces water loss through the needles.

Snow and Ice Management

Heavy snow can bend or break branches. Gently brush off accumulating snow with a broom, but never shake branches forcefully when they are frozen, as they become brittle. If ice forms, leave it to melt naturally.

Common Mistakes When Planting Conifers in Winter

Avoid these errors that often derail a December planting:

Planting too deep. This is the most common cause of failure in winter-planted conifers. Deep planting suffocates roots and invites rot.
Skipping mulch. Unmulched soil heaves and thaws more dramatically, which can push the root ball up and expose roots.
Overwatering. Cold soil holds moisture longer. Soggy roots in winter are vulnerable to fungal diseases. Water only when the top few inches of soil feel dry.
Fertilizing at planting. Fertilizer stimulates soft new growth that winter cold will kill. Wait until spring to feed.
Choosing the wrong species. Not every conifer tolerates winter planting. Research your local hardiness zone and pick species known for cold hardiness.

What Are the Signs That a Conifer Is Struggling After a December Planting?

Monitor your newly planted conifer through the winter and early spring. Warning signs include:

Needles turning brown from the tips inward, indicating desiccation or root damage
Needles dropping prematurely, especially on the side facing prevailing winds
The trunk leaning or the root ball heaving out of the soil after freeze-thaw cycles
Blackened or mushy bark near the soil line, which suggests root rot

If you notice any of these issues, act quickly. For desiccation, apply an anti-desiccant spray and water if the ground is thawed. For heaving, gently press the root ball back into place and add more mulch. For suspected rot, remove mulch from the trunk and improve drainage.

What Are the Long-Term Benefits of December Planting?

Planting conifers in December, when done correctly, often leads to faster establishment than spring planting. Because the plant is dormant, it experiences less transplant stress. The roots can begin spreading into the surrounding soil immediately, so when warming temperatures arrive in spring, the conifer is already anchored and ready to push new growth.

Additionally, December soil is often easier to dig than the heavy, wet soil of early spring. Weeds are also dormant, so you won't compete with unwanted growth for moisture and nutrients. This can translate to healthier plants by midsummer and a fuller appearance in the first growing season.

Final Practical Advice for December Conifer Planting

December planting works best when you treat it as a strategic decision rather than a last-minute task. Always check local soil conditions before digging. If the ground is frozen, waterlogged, or covered with snow, wait for a mild spell or consider containerizing the conifer until spring. If conditions are right, plant early in December to give roots as much time as possible before the coldest weather arrives.

Focus on selecting hardy species suited to your zone, prepping the site with wide holes and generous mulch, watering correctly during dry winter spells, and protecting foliage from wind and sun. By following these steps, you can successfully plant conifers in December and watch them thrive through the seasons ahead. The question is not simply whether you can plant conifers in December — it is whether you prepare and care for them properly afterward.