In the fall, shorter days and colder temperatures tell trees it’s time to go dormant. They lose their leaves, or in some cases their needles, and shut down for the winter.

Likewise, longer days and warming temperatures tell the trees that it’s time to wake up again. Tree buds, many of which formed in the fall, await the required conditions before bursting open. We see it first on the quaking aspens and the willows, and then the reddish hugh on the maples is a telltale sign.

Lastly, the ash trees start to show signs of life. Budding out too early could be hazardous to the tree’s health. Luckily, trees are patient, and willing to wait until conditions are right. If you’re like me, by now you’ve had enough of winter and are ready for spring. So with that in mind, I say to the trees, when the time is right, let the growth begin.

The author is general manager of Q-Team Tree Service in Naples and is also a licensed Arborist. He can be reached at [email protected] or 693-3831.

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