The way to Preserve a Fruit Tree By Frost
Fruit trees include value to landscaping with their showy blossoms and edible fruit. However, many species are sensitive to freeze and need extra services to survive the winter. Tropical and subtropical species, such as osteoporosis and lemons, require more services to live the winter under U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zone 9b, where they will be subject to moderate or light frost. Preparing sensitive fruit trees to get frost and saving them after a freeze happens will help keep their longterm health and productivity, while saving the cost and labor for replacing badly damaged trees.
Monitor the weather forecast throughout the autumn and winter months to gain advance warning of moderate to severe frosts. Educate your fruit trees to get freezing conditions at least 2 days in front of a frost is forecast.
Wrap the trunks of sensitive fruit trees in insulating materials such as cardboard or palm fronds. Cover the entire trunk from ground level up to the smallest set of branches. Affix the insulation with duct tape or twine. Cover the insulation with a layer of plastic sheeting during rainy weather.
Weed across the base of the fruit tree, because bare dirt will radiate more heat and keep the tree from icy. Remove all the vegetation in a 10-foot radius across the trunk. Break up the top 4 inches of soil with a hoe or cultivating fork so that it will soak up more moisture and hold heat.
Water across the base of the fruit tree till the soil is quite moist in the top five inches. Keep the top couple inches of soil moist during very cold weather; it will retain more solar heat energy, which it will release during the night once the temperature falls.
Drape string lights across the canopy of the fruit tree if a hard frost is forecast. Use waterproof exterior lights and then run them with an extension cord that is approved for exterior use. Turn on the lights before dusk and turn them off at sunrise or use an automated timer.
Remove the insulating layers and string lights after the freezing weather has passed. Inspect the fruit tree for signs of damage such as limp, blanched leaves or drooping branches. Do not attempt treatment or pruning yet.
Monitor the tree to get at least 2 months to find out if it will revive on its own before attempting treatment. Watch for dropped leaves, which is actually a positive sign indicating the twigs and branches are still alive.
Prune off frost-damaged branches and twigs where the limp, damaged leaves still cling. Snip off the naturally broken branches and twigs at the base utilizing sturdy jump shears. Wash and disinfect the jump shears before utilizing them to reduce the likelihood of infection.
Whitewash the trunks of badly damaged fruit trees to symbolize the sunlight and protect against sunburn. Mix equal parts white latex paint and water in a bucket. Brush the dilute paint alternative on the trunk from ground level to the bottom branches. Employ multiple coats, if necessary.
Decrease watering while the fruit tree is recovering from frost damage, as it’ll have fewer leaves and need less moisture. Irrigate only when the soil feels mainly dry in the top five inches. Avoid over-watering, since a frost-damaged tree is under tension and extra water around the roots can cause further tension and damage.