Wires_Guy_wires
Imperial Masterpiece
No, because water doesn't move there isn't much going on, . But micro organisms can move.@Dav4 whats your reasoning behind that? I learn best from conversations with those more experienced and knowledgeable than me... I don’t just want your two cents, I want the whole dollar ?
So the trees are still absorbing something through the roots (pathogens potentially included) even when frozen solid?
The water thaws eventually, and then the microbes will start moving more and more. But the tree will still be dormant for some time and have little exchange with the soil. Spring usually doesn't happen in a day, but microbes can multiply in a matter of hours (in cold environments). So the plant will be leaking juices, the microbes will grow, but the plant will have a hard time defending itself.
From that perspective, winter collection is not the wisest choice. It can be done, and it can be done with success. There's just a bit more risk involved.