Wintering little saplings

[Phe508]

Hi all. I was goofing around and collected a bunch of young saplings that grew all over my backyard this summer. It’s starting to get cold here in south michigan. I was thinking about planting this whole nursery pot in the ground and covering it with leaves or something when it starts getting really cold? What do you all think? Do they need any extra protection since they’re so young?

 

[Dav4]

Hi all. I was goofing around and collected a bunch of young saplings that grew all over my backyard this summer. It’s starting to get cold here in south michigan. I was thinking about planting this whole nursery pot in the ground and covering it with leaves or something when it starts getting really cold? What do you all think? Do they need any extra protection since they’re so young?View attachment 459542

Species? If cold hardy to your zone, I'd think they'd be fine with all your other trees... though mice and voles will potentially chew them up.

 

[penumbra]

though mice and voles will potentially chew them up.

That is your biggest over wintering obstacle. Critters love maples.