Apple Tree Seedlings

Guys, I planted some apple trees a few months ago into some mulch in my front yard.  As usual in the winter time in North Carolina we are on the tail end of a 2 week warm spell where temps got up to almost 80 degrees a few days.  The seeds already germinated and are about an inch tall.  Worried that the coming cold weather and mid 20s night temps will kill the seedlings.  Obviously I could cover them with something, but wanted to see if anyone had any thoughts on their prospects for survival.

thanks,
Matt

Hi Matt, welcome to Permies!

I planted some this past Spring, and if I'm remembering correctly, mine came up early also, and they endured around those temperatures. It seems like apple trees sprout earlier that most other trees and are hardier.

Hope they turn out well. Would love to see some pictures if you have them!

Thanks Steve!  I will try to get some photos this weekend and post them.  Probably a good idea for seedlings to come up early in the south and get a head start on developing a root system before the annual summer beating comes.

I agree, sometimes in the north they flush new growth just before winter, and that tender new growth seems to hold its leaves well into mid winter and the actual tender twigs seem to come out in spring unscathed.