Spring to severe winter and back

[Rip]

I was living in New Orleans (9a?) and spring arrived and my trees were doing great. Got a job in Montana at Yellowstone and my trees (fully leafed) travelled with me. Currently in my rv. Outside the temp is a low of 3-10 degrees Fahrenheit. If i take my trees outside will the harsh winter (2 ft of snow) kill them? Currently heavily mist , water, 4 grow lights. Should have above freezing temps within a month. What should i do? Bury them in snow or leave them inside for a few more weeks?

never had a problem like this since I’ve lived in the same area forever

 

[sorce]

Nice!

Sorce

 

[Frozentreehugger]

no idea but considering the 2 possibilities inside under lights is only one that makes sense . Especially coming from the warm climate . Can’t see how you can rake them out if it don’t kill them it will do a lot of damage . But maybe somebody with more experience at moving trees will chime in like I said I have no idea

 

[rockm]

I was living in New Orleans (9a?) and spring arrived and my trees were doing great. Got a job in Montana at Yellowstone and my trees (fully leafed) travelled with me. Currently in my rv. Outside the temp is a low of 3-10 degrees Fahrenheit. If i take my trees outside will the harsh winter (2 ft of snow) kill them? Currently heavily mist , water, 4 grow lights. Should have above freezing temps within a month. What should i do? Bury them in snow or leave them inside for a few more weeks?

never had a problem like this since I’ve lived in the same area forever

I'm kind of confused. Are your trees evergreen or deciduous? Doesn't really make much difference as both that are accustomed to New Orleans Zone 9 will die pretty quickly if left out in Montana cold. Neither have acclimated to the change. If someone took you from New Orleans and plunked you in a snowbank in 3 F Montana winter, how long do you think you'd last without a coat or any preparation for the cold?
Skip the misting, it cause more problems than it solves. Keep them under as much light as possible and WATER WHEN THEY NEED IT, not on a schedule. Your mission now is to keep them from developing mold and fungal issues inside. A fan to circulate air also will help.

 

[ShadyStump]

Once your trees are awake they need to stay that way until winter when they put themselves back to bed.
Same for winter when they go dormant. Once they're asleep they need to stay that way.

Keep your trees inside. Mid to late May you'll be safe to take them out, but remember they've been house plants, so spend a week or two two-stepping them to avoid sunburn.
You'll find you're in a whole new world now, so take it slow and easy, and expect losses along the way.

 

[Rip]

Thanks guys. I do have several grow lights and a fan going.

 

[Paradox]

Good luck, that's a hell of a transition.

Totally agree with rockm, going from warm and growing to sub freezing will probably kill them

 

[ShadyStump]

Don't imagine they'll die on you in a month if you're doing anything right. Just stay adaptable your first year in a new climate.