We’ve all heard of spring cleaning: getting rid of old things, cleaning the decks, and making things look better. A better term for what happens to fruit trees in the winter is “winter cleaning” since this is the time of year when we look back and forward. With the help of a tree doctor, we can eliminate annoying weeds and pests. Make sure trees can grow freely, and get the land ready for another great season with lots of good things.
Why Do You Need To Get Fruit Trees Ready For Winter?
Protecting the roots of fruit plants from frost damage is one of the most complex parts of getting them ready for winter. The reason for this is that the tree can’t do anything significant without its roots:
- During the summer, tree roots pull water and nutrients from the soil and bring them into the tree.
- The plant pulls the nutrients and energy from the leaves back into the roots to store for the winter. Those nutrients will help the fruit tree stay alive until spring, even though it is dormant.
- So, what happens if your fruit tree’s roots freeze during the winter? If the seeds freeze, they will die. When the roots die, your tree can’t get to the nutrients it has stored. Because of this, your tree will not get enough food and may die.
The cold winter can also cause cracks in tree trunks and broken branches, which can let bugs and diseases in. So, it’s essential to get our fruit trees ready for winter. How are we going to do this? Keep reading to find out.
1. Weeding and Feeding
The first thing on the list is to pull out weeds. Getting rid of weeds around the base of fruit trees reduces the amount of competition and gets rid of places where insects that could be pests over the winter could hide. Remove the weeds and put them in the compost pile. Then, use a fork to fluff up the soil. It lets hungry birds eat grubs or eggs and lets frost clean the area.
Before putting down a new layer of mulch later in the winter, fork some organic fertilizer into the soil with a garden fork, but it’s important to wait until the worst of winter is over so that cold snaps can get rid of pests. A 5cm (2in) layer of thick mulch will stop new weeds from growing, keep the soil moist, and slowly feed and improve the structure of your soil as it breaks down.
2. Get rid of pests that stay for the winter
A common worry is that insects and their eggs will spend the winter in the fruit garden. Aphids, red spider mites, scale insects, and codling moth grubs can all spend the winter inside the bark of a tree. They’ll show their ugly faces when the weather gets warmer in the spring. Early in the winter, someone can mess up their plans by spraying a winter tree wash on your trees that are not growing. After the winter, you can use a follow-up spray.
This natural therapy made from plant oil effectively eliminates pests. It is safe to use around pets and kids, and at this time of year, it doesn’t affect other animals much. On a day with no wind, spray it right onto the bark, covering all the branches so it can’t get away. Remember to wear a mask and gloves to protect yourself from the spray.
The glue band is another way to keep pests from getting into the tree. It stops moths carrying eggs from climbing up into the tree’s branches from the ground. Tie the glue bars tight around each tree’s trunk, then glue the side out. Moths won’t be able to get under the band if you tighten it with string at the top and bottom. It would help if you also put bars on the stakes. You want these to be something other than a way for the destructive moths to get to your plants.
3. Keep stored fruit in good health
Now that all the leaves have fallen off, it’s easy to see and eliminate any dried fruit stuck to the branches. Even though these fruits don’t look dangerous, they can spread disease to the tree and make it sick again the following year if they are left on the tree. Could you get rid of them? It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Places that sell fruit will have to get regular inspections to spot the first signs of rot or damage from pests. Go through the fruits at least once a week. Soft fruit should be eaten or thrown on the lawn for birds that eat food on the ground. As the old saying goes, one bad apple can make the whole cart fall over. Being on the lookout for tree preservation will help you stay on top of rotten fruit and keep your trees in good shape. If mice or other small animals have been getting into your fruit store, ensure it is well-secured and that any holes are filled.
4. How to protect fruit trees from cold weather
Cold weather is excellent for killing sleeping pests but can be terrible for pot plants. If you haven’t already, move semi-hardy fruit plants like olives and lemons into a greenhouse or cool conservatory where they will be safe. For hardier plants, you can buy fleece jackets or make your own by wrapping garden fleece around branchwork and stuffing it with other straws to keep it warm. Trees in pots also need good drainage because they could freeze in the winter if the roots get too wet.
Snow is heavy and can break branches if there is too much of it. Wood is fragile, so use a broom or carefully shake off the snow.
Repeated cycles of frost and thaw can be complex on trees that have just been planted. It can cause the roots to loosen, leaving the plants open to damage from the wind. Supporting stakes can also be moved by autumn winds, making them sway. After it freezes, check the stakes and healthy trees to see if they need to be put back in.
There are things to do to keep winter damage from happening to fruit trees in pots.
Here’s how to keep a fruit tree in a pot outside from getting hurt by winter:
- Roll out the chicken wire in a circle around the jar, leaving about 6 inches of space between the process and the pot.
- Water the trees thoroughly before the ground freezes to hydrate them for the winter.
- Prune dead or damaged branches to promote healthy growth in the spring.
- Apply a layer of mulch around the base of the tree to protect the roots and retain moisture.
- Watch for signs of pests or diseases and treat accordingly.
- Consider using anti-desiccant sprays to prevent moisture loss in evergreen trees.
- Avoid walking or stepping on the roots of the tree, as this can cause damage.
- If a harsh winter is predicted, consider using tree wraps to prevent sunscald on young or thin-barked trees.
Conclusion
In conclusion, to care for fruit trees in the winter, it is important to protect them from extreme cold and hydrate them, prune dead or damaged branches, add a layer of mulch, monitor for pests and diseases, and consider using tree wraps and anti-desiccant sprays. By following these steps, you can help ensure the health and survival of your fruit trees during the winter months. There’s a lot to do as winter comes. There are no more reasons to do nothing! Even if you don’t need more motivation, working on your tree healthcare in the afternoon is very satisfying. The thought of next year’s fruits should warm the heart and take away the chill.Contact Us to get more information related to tree healthcare.
