Preparing a Bald Cypress for Coming Colder Temps?? (Questions!)

So, I'm preparing to get everything ready for the coming months of fall and the winter thereafter. For now its getting into the mid 50s at night so I'm taking them onto the front enclosed porch of ours just to keep them on the warmer side of things.

My question is, I'm located in zone 6b in Pennsylvania, what is the best way to prepare a bald cypress for winter protection?

Here's what I've got to work with thus far...
I have two porches that are enclosed but pretty much uninsulated. The front porch is the one with pretty much no insulation, its from the 1930s and it can get bitter cold out there. The back porch, honestly, if I opened up the back door to the porch, within about 10-15 minutes you can wear a shirt and no coat out there no problem. I used to use it in a pinch to make selfbows when I was into archery a lot more than now, several years back. I figured that may be my best bet?... and that I could always put a heater back there on a timer that would kick on from time to time??
Then there's the basement. Pretty much unheated but its not bitter cold. It can be damp but we usually have a dehumidifier running down there. (of course this would be the opposite of the moist air a BC would enjoy!!)

I know of others who simply keep other trees inside of an unheated shelter beside their home, but I'm not to sure about what temps I need to keep my bald cypress' at? I've read keep them above 55 degrees, then I've read a little lower than that,.. etc. Obviously I don't want them to be in an environment where the temps will get into the freezing range, etc.
Use a small heater in an enclosed porch?...basement?... any ideas or advice from others who are in similar situations?

Thank you in advance.

I don't know where you are in PA, and I do know that it gets very cold in some areas -- especially around State College and in the mountains, but bald cypress are tougher than you think. The are trees planted in Canada and Minnesota, and Dirr lists them as hardy to Zone 4. He claims they have withstood temperatures to -30 F.

Trees in pots will not be as hardy, of course, but I think giving them the same winter protection as you give your other bonsai should be sufficient.

Greetings...

Jim is right, these trees are much tougher than you think. I have an old collected bald cypress from Guy Guidry for close to 10 years now and have never experienced a problem wintering over this tree. In fact, it would be the last tree I'd worry about. Prior to getting a small greenhouse, I would sit the tree on the ground against a fence and cover the pot with leaf mulch. I got tired of worms and other critters, not to mention the dirty pots to have to clean in the spring so I bought a greenhouse that I could use to winter over my trees. I keep all my trees in it and strive to maintain the temperature at 38-40 degrees. Most winters the cypress will bud out in we have a couple warm days, but even that doesn't hurt these trees and if you listen to the folks who say you should keep the tree above 55 degrees, the tree will not go or stay dormant.

By the way, I live in Washington, DC.

Stephen

Thanks to you both.
I'll be sure to let them winter as they should then, just protected by winter winds and sun, etc. Nothing much else.
Have a great weekend!

I just put both of mine in the garage. It never gets below freezing in there.

Framor,

my own is from Lafayette, Louisiana, had it since 1980 or so.
The tree is very adaptable - we never go lower than 68 deg.F
It still sleeps for two months or so on it's own.

So if you see comments contrary to your experiences, that's why.
Later.
Khaimraj