Hardening woody plants Woody plants naturally enter a period of
dormancy or "winter rest." This process is key to woody plant
survival in cold climates. Dormancy develops gradually within
buds as the days become shorter in late summer. Dormancy
accelerates in the fall, and reaches its peak in early winter.
In most woody plants, dormant buds not only prevent shoot
growth, but also slow root and other growth. Following early
winter and a certain period of cold, buds enter a new stage of
dormancy termed "quiescence." Quiescent buds grow when the
weather gets warm. The term hardening refers to cultural
practices that influence the development of dormancy in late
summer and fall. Low levels of nitrogen and water in late summer
favor early dormancy. Compatibility problems arise where lawns
and trees are both grown. Fertilizing in August tends to delay
hardening of trees and shrubs. Fertilizing later produces the
grass-root growth and food storage required for the coming
winter months. If you live along Colorado's F