Why are hardiness zones important in choosing trees and shrubs?
These numbered zones refer to the winter temperatures in your area. Consult a hardiness zone map to find out what zone you are in. Here, most of our area is in zone 4, with winter temperatures going as low as 30 degrees. Some areas near the lake (Door County) are zone 5, with winter temperatures as low as 20 degrees. So, the larger the zone number, the warmer the climate in winter. Most plants have tags or information available on what zones they will grow in. Stick with plants that will grow in your zone. Otherwise, you most likely will waste the money you spent on a plant trying to grow it in an area colder than it is adapted for. You can experiment with a plant or two that is one zone warmer than yours. Plant in a microclimate area in your yard. An example of a microclimate is any protected area in the yard that cheats the zone number. For instance, a protected place near the house on the south side might be an example of a microclimate.
