I have a potted Inaba Shidare that can’t survive the winters outside in northern BC. I placed it in garage with a few light waterings but it started to add leaves and buds that are weak from lack of light. Two questions: should I put it out now in the sunlight or will the frost zap it and best way to avoid early growth next year knowing I cant leave it outside in -35. Thanks!
I think your garage is too warm. The tree needs to be kept below 40F/5C to stay in dormancy. Now that it has leafed out, it will be damaged by 'hard' overnight freezes. A light frost shouldn't harm it. However, it shouldn't be be directly into full sun as the leaves are now shade adapted and are vulnerable to being sun burned --> start in shade and increase the sun exposure time over the course of a few weeks will let it adapt, IMO.
In future years, you might find yourself having to shuttle the maple out of the garage in the mornings and back in at night to avoid this problem recurring during the spring season. Or leave it out for a few days depending on the frost situation, and then back in again when the cold returns.
Thanks for the responses. Will have to find a place this winter that’s cooler without being -30. Appreciate the help!
If you have a protected southern exposure near your home or outbuilding that would lend itself well in your landscape then your tree should do just fine in the ground. Just add extra mulch for the winter dormancy. The biggest factor in the location would be to keep it out of the driving northeast winds.
