After careful research and considerations regarding which tree to plant to enhance the beauty of your landscape, proper care is essential for maintaining the tree’s health and vitality. A part of proper tree care that may not immediately come to mind for many are the measures necessary to protect young trees from winter freezing.
During the cold winter months, conditions can vary considerably from region to region, but cold snaps that include freezing temperatures or frosts are possible in any geographical location. Even when relatively warm temperatures begin to return during the spring, occasional cold snaps are possible. However, there are ways to protect your young trees when unseasonable or unexpected cold weather bears down on your region.
Maybe you have a mound of leaves or pine needles from your fall raking. Even shredded paper can be recycled into mulch. Any number of items you may already have on hand may serve to protect your young tree’s roots and base during winter.
Because much forethought and care go into establishing an ideal landscape, be prepared to protect your young trees from the bitter cold that frequently accompanies winter. Contact a tree removal Flower Mound to maintain a healthy, viable tree during winter and beyond.
Greenhouse
The greenhouse effect can be relatively easily and inexpensively replicated for landscaping trees by creating a miniature greenhouse. A small greenhouse provides a barrier against winter’s frigid temperatures and winds, encapsulating both warmth and protection. Create your own by first establishing a frame around the tree using wood or metal posts or PVC pipe. Then, cover the frame with plastic sheeting, a tarp, or another type of insulator.
Secure the insulating cover using nails, staples, or tying, which is most appropriate for the materials used. Even if temperatures drop to potentially hazardous conditions at night, they may rise considerably during the daytime. Be aware that, depending upon the heat, the miniature greenhouse may need to be removed for some time so that the young tree does not wilt.
Covering Your Trees
Consider protecting young trees by using thick cloth. Blankets, sheets, towels, or even burlap you may have on hand are excellent options. Depending upon the thickness of the fabric used, be sure the young tree is hefty enough to support its weight. If so, cover the tree’s branches with the items you wish to use or have on hand, and then wrap any excess around as much of the root as is possible.
One potential drawback exists utilizing this method of protection. Should any manner of precipitation, including drizzle, rain, or fog, followed by freezing temperatures, affect the region, the clothes may freeze to the tree. Consult an Austin tree trimming specialist with any questions or concerns you have if implementing this method.
If, after covering the branches of the tree, none of the covering items will reach the root, consider using mulch for added protection. Adding mulch to the root system provides insulation. You may even choose to use non-traditional and inexpensive types of mulch to achieve this. Perhaps you have residual compost from your summer garden or grass clippings from your summer lawn mowing.