In some areas of New Jersey, forsythia, cherry trees, and bulbs have begun to emerge.  Spring seems to have come early this year – way too early.  What does this mean for plants and trees that should be blooming closer to April?

The duration of warm weather we’ve been having hasn’t been seen in quite some time, so one can only speculate how Mother Nature will respond.

Some say that the warm, humid temperatures can increase the growth of fungus, which can perhaps be difficult for dormant trees and shrubs to fend off, which could cause damage.

If there are buds or flowers present and we get a hard freeze, there will be far fewer spring flowers, and new growth.  Flowering trees, shrubs, and bulbs need a dormancy period of about 115 days to produce a full flush of flowers.  For bulbs, if the tips have emerged but no flower, you will most likely still see a spring bloom, but the edges of the leaves may look cut off from ‘winter burn.’

Aside from the potential lackluster spring blooms, another important thing to consider is our pollinators. Fewer spring blooms means less pollination, and less food for honeybees that may have used up more honey reserves in their hive due to being more active in the warm temperatures.  For a  list of plants for pollinators, click here.

Are your flowers blooming?  Post your pictures on our Facebook page!