Healthy fruit trees that carry an abundance of fruit in spring are dependent on protection and care in the winter. It is of vital importance that the correct steps are taken to protect your fruit trees in autumn. Read on for more tips about how to prepare your fruit trees for the winter months.
Clean up around the base to Prepare Your Fruit Trees
Make sure to remove all leaves and any fallen fruit during the autumn months. This should be implemented meticulously if there are any signs of damage from pests or diseases. These can overwinter in the fallen leaves and fruit and make your tree ill the next year.
While cleaning around the base, take the time to move some soil around to aerate the soil and introduce new nutrients.
Protect the tree’s roots
Roots are crucial to a tree. If a tree’s roots are damaged, the tree will not be able to absorb water and nutrients from the soil. Nutrients are stored as reserves in the roots for winter, and if the roots are damaged, the tree will no longer be able to access those reserves. Fewer nutrients mean the tree will become malnourished, and malnourished trees may die if not taken care of properly.
Create an extra layer of organic matter to insulate the roots and protect them from extreme temperatures, freezing, and thawing by mulching your tree with straw or wood chips. These materials decompose slowly and won’t energize your tree which will delay dormancy.
It’s important to note that the mulch should never touch the bark of the tree in any way whatsoever to avoid rot. Leave around six inches around the base of the trunk. Place the mulch in a circle of about three inches wide and three inches high.
Also read: Prepare Your Trees for Storm Season
Stop pruning
Pruning generally spurs branch growth. You do not want your tree to sprout young branches that are tender, which are more susceptible to breakage during a winter frost. Make sure that you do the last pruning well before the snow starts to fall – and only prune branches that show signs of damage or weakness.
Paint the trunk to Prepare Your Fruit Trees
Using a ratio of 50:50, mix white latex paint and water. Paint this mixture on the trunk of the tree and allow it to dry. This will protect your fruit tree from sunburn both in summer and during the winter months when bright sunlight is reflected in the snow.
Sunburn on a fruit tree’s trunk can result in cracks in the bark. These cracks are potential entry points for diseases and pests.
Protecting potted fruit trees for winter
Potted fruit trees are more vulnerable and susceptible to winter damage. These need more insulation to keep them protected throughout the winter cold. A good, general way to insulate potted fruit trees is by surrounding the pot with chicken wire, again leaving around six inches around the pot. Secure the wire and then fill the space, and the top of the pot, with straw. Be sure to use straw and not hay – hay has seeds that can sprout weeds.
If you are able to move the trees indoors for the winter, this will also protect them from extreme temperatures.
Also read: Fruit Tree Maintenance
Wrap your trees
Without leaves that provide an extra layer of protection, it’s a good idea to wrap your trees. Use breathable materials such as burlap or Kraft paper. Wrap from top to bottom to discourage collection of water in the folds. This will not only help to fight off the cold but also bark-damaging conditions like winter sunscald.
Keep your trees healthy and hydrated
Winters can also be very dry. Remember to deeply water your trees during the weeks before winter. By adding mulch, you also help to retain moisture. Water your tree slowly and deeply to make sure that the water reaches deep into the soil.
Treat the soil around your fruit trees with fertilizer to add some extra nutrients. By using a slow-release fertilizer, you help to keep your tree healthy throughout winter.
It may be wise to research your type of tree and see what the best course of action will be to protect it throughout the winter. The best idea is to contact professionals so that they can provide the right type of protection and advice to prepare your fruit trees for winter.
Also read: Tree Trimming Basics
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