Collected a couple of cedar elms. Where do I let them finish their winter sleep?

[bray]

I had to go to Texas for a family thing a week ago. Stayed with a cousin on her ranch in central Texas. While I was there, I dug up 2 cedar elms and shipped them to myself. They don't have a large trunk bases (maybe slightly above 2") but based on the craggy bark the trees were not young. I hope they survive the winter dig. Elms are strong so we will see.
My question is, I have a couple of options for where to let them finish the winter and I wanted to get other's thoughts on which to choose. Since I don't believe my Zone 4 outside is an option, I have a "greenhouse" located in a large barn that has a terracotta pot/light bulb heater that I control the temp above 20 even when outside temps are below zero. Lowest I've seen in the greenhouse has been 19 this winter. This is where I keep my few zone 5 trees I have. I could raise my temp setting (currently set at 25) to higher if need be although I may have to change my light bulb heater to a real heater to keep the temp higher. Or I have heated shop in the barn that is maintained at 50 during the winter.
If these were your options, what would you do?
Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[coachspinks]

Cedar Elms are some of my favorite trees. I have two of them. I would use the barn. You do not want the roots to freeze at this point.

 

[rockm]

You need to get them inside where temps remain above freezing. 20 f post collection will be very iffy for them. They’re tough and pretty winter hardy but you’ve collected them pretty early and have to get them two more months of winter. I’d get them into bonsai containers with bonsai soil and keep them inside the house in a bright spot even when they begin to show green leaves.

Also be aware that you may have collected southern hackberry. The two species are very similar in appearance and occur in the same range.

 

[rockm]

Also would not let the craggy bark fool you into thinking you have old trees. CE develop that bark very early. The trees you have likely less than 10 years old. I’ve collected many of them in East Texas and have two now. Very very good species to work with

 

[rockm]

This tree was collected near Tyler. It’s about 25 years old. Counted the growth rings at the chop site.

 

[bray]

Yes, I knew the trees were not really old, I just maybe older than the diameter suggests.
The more I think about it the more important it is to not let the roots freeze in their weakened state.
Really don't have a good window in the house for them and no one is going to like the open curtains with the cold.
Maybe I store in the shop area and increase the temp there. Any suggestions on the temp setting in the shop 55, 60, 65? The shop has a good south facing window that gets plenty of sun.

 

[rockm]

Yes, I knew the trees were not really old, I just maybe older than the diameter suggests.
The more I think about it the more important it is to not let the roots freeze in their weakened state.
Really don't have a good window in the house for them and no one is going to like the open curtains with the cold.
Maybe I store in the shop area and increase the temp there. Any suggestions on the temp setting in the shop 55, 60, 65? The shop has a good south facing window that gets plenty of sun.

The warmer you keep them the faster they will begin growing. You will have to deal with that new growth indoors as once the trees bud out they will owe 95 percent of their winter cold tolerance. Keep them as cold as possible but not below 30 or so

 

[bray]

I guess I will see if I can keep the cold "greenhouse" above 32 degrees.

 

[RaginCajun]

Keep the roots from freezing. Other than that, full blast sun. Here in Louisiana, texas cedar elms love the heat and the sun. They stay out in full sun and no shade with the pines and junipers. I prune them back 6-7 times every yr. They heal wounds fast!