Horticulture Forum (continued)
(The following article appeared in the August 2001 issue of Lawn and Landscape)

Many of the materials a tree collected during the growth season are withdrawn from soon-to-be dead leaves. The last bit of tree food is stockpiled in the living cells of the outer annual growth rings. Twigs, branches and roots become the collection sites and waarehouses of materials needed for the next season. Within the tree, biological doors and windows are being closed and locked. From the moment last spring's green leaves expanded and began to make food, winter dormancy has been designed into the tree system. The process of spring and summer growth reset and started a dormancy timer that now hurries the tree preparations.

Most of the growing points in the tree are protected inside overcoats called buds. During the winter, each growing point waits for the correct message to signal a new season of growth. Only then will it be apparent whether the tree has put aside and saved enough resources to respond to the new season of growth.