Tree following - ahead of schedule

As January starts the recent gales and rain have now stripped the tree of all of its leaves.

As I look at the tree, even though it has now been in the garden a few years, I appreciate that it is still rather young.  As with all the trees that I have planted, many have been little more than elongated twigs when purchased.  This is mainly down to cost but I also tell myself that a younger tree will settle in better and establish itself quicker.  As I gaze upon the quince tree I wonder whether I am fooling myself.

The tree is now at its barest yet as I look closer I can see that it is already thinking about Spring.  The weather has been stormy in recent weeks but it has also been remarkably mild.  There is more than a glimmer of green at its tips, there are definite signs of leaf growth.

I cannot decide if this is cheering or of concern.  Well actually I can decide, I look on it with trepidation and cross the year off already as possibly giving me a quince.  If the tree gets growing too early then the chances of frost damaging the unformed fruit must be high.

As I look back on my previous tree following posts I can see that the tree is a little further than it was at the start of February last year; so a full four weeks ahead of schedule.  I am fairly certain that we still have the cold snap to come so I hope that the tree does not get too far ahead of itself.

As ever time will tell, the Quest for the Quince begins a new.

Thanks to Squirrelbasket for hosting this meme where many more followed trees can be found.