The cold season is a stressful time for the plant world, which deciduous trees in particular prefer to survive in hibernation. However, when it gets bitterly cold, a longer period of frost can also damage native trees that are used to our climate. The right winter protection for every tree is therefore a sensible investment. Read what is particularly important.
Lime protects the tree from frost
How to protect hardy trees
Of course, native trees do not have to be packed in cotton wool to survive the winter. With a few tricks, however, you can make it easier for the trees, which in turn will reward them with better health and problem-free budding in the spring. Winter protection measures for frost-hardy trees include:
Leave autumn leaves
Proper gardeners sweep away the autumn leaves, but the thick layer lying on the tree grate has an insulating effect and protects the roots from freezing. This method is particularly important for flat-rooted plants. Alternatively, you can apply a thick layer of bark mulch, straw and brushwood.
Lime tree trunk
In particular, the trunk and branches of fruit trees are often whitened with lime paint. One of the reasons for this is that intense sunlight in winter can no longer lead to frost damage in the bark. The white color reflects the light, making it harmless.
Wrap in coconut mats or tree fleece
Young trees in particular are at risk from strong temperature fluctuations: mild temperatures during the day and frost at night can cause severe damage. To prevent this, simply wrap the trees in coconut or straw mats or in an insulating tree fleece overnight. However, these protective measures should be removed during the day.
Pack frost-sensitive trees properly
Some non-native species cannot always cope with freezing temperatures and therefore need effective protection. Examples of suitable measures are:
- a protected location
- Cover the tree pit with an insulating layer of mulch
- Cover trunk and crown with fleece, coconut or reed mats or sacking
- if necessary, hang bundles of brushwood in there
Do not use plastic foils, because the evaporating moisture cannot escape underneath. This in turn favors the settlement of fungi, which are particularly active in early spring. Breathable materials are therefore a must for frost protection.
tips
Some tree species need a lot of water. This applies above all to evergreen deciduous trees, which you should also water from time to time in winter - but only if the ground is not frozen.