Bart: By all means plant it if at all possible. Those temps are no problem at all. Early planting is much better than late. If the ground is frozen and you cann't break thru, then heal the tree into moist sand in a place where it won't get too hot or cold. You might consider taking along a bag of good soil in case the soil is too wet or too frozen to cover the roots well.

In any case, plant as soon as you can. Fall planting of bareroot stock is beginning to be recognized as a good technique in areas colder than you. Planting now is less dangerous than Nov. I won't be concerned unless it dropped below zero. Then you still would probably be OK.

The Fruitnut

Bart, thats early even for Bay Laurel! I got a couple trees today myself which I should have no problems planting here. I would be surprised if your ground is frozen, but if it is and you have access to hot water, you may be able to thaw it enough to get the tree in. I have managed to never need to do that, I have had 2' of snow a few days after putting new trees in but somehow they always came in a warm spell when they were easy to plant. In the very worst case you can let them sit in a cool garage for several weeks in barely moist peat or compost or sand. This is similar to what is called "heeling in" but you are doing it inside and not outside. Don't let them sit in the "factory packing" too long, especially for trees from the west coast -- they have been that way for a week already.

Scott

Thanks folks! You've eased my mind.

Bart

You can keep it in storage if you have a cool place that won't freeze. Keep it in the materials in which it was sent to you. Make sure the sawdust is moist. I have kept trees three weeks. But it is best to plant it.