How Do Floridians Protect Citrus Trees From Frost?
Sunny Florida might not seem to be a place where gardeners have to worry about damage to their citrus trees from frost. There are times, however, when temperatures drop and cold snaps can damage these tropical trees. Floridians protect their citrus trees from frost by watching the weather forecasts, covering their trees when cold weather threatens and by using additional heat if necessary. Does this Spark an idea?
-
Preparations
-
Stop fertilizing your citrus trees in September to precondition them for winter weather. This will prevent vulnerable new leaves from developing when the temperature starts to drop. Learn which trees are more susceptible to damage from frost, and plant them on higher ground where cold air won't settle. Watch the Weather Channel when a cold front might be moving through, and if temperatures will be 24 degrees or lower, take further precautions to protect your trees.
Water
-
Check to see if the soil around the citrus tree is moist. Water-stressed trees will freeze more quickly, as damp soil absorbs and holds heat more effectively than dry soil. Water the tree thoroughly before the sun goes down, which will allow the soil to release moisture into the air, keeping it slightly warmer throughout the night. In areas of Florida where the air is drier, adequate watering is especially crucial.
-
Air
-
Use large fans to keep air circulating around your trees, especially the ones that produce blossoms as they are highly susceptible to frost. Keeping the air moving over the trees and blossoms will reduce the risk of frost buildup. Even if the temperatures remain above freezing, frost can kill orange blossoms and other citrus flowers.
Shelter
-
Floridians also build tents around their citrus trees to keep heat in and frost out. Drive four stakes into the ground around the tree, and connect the tops of the stakes with horizontal supports. Use a plastic tarp or lightweight sheets to create a tent over the tree, and staple the material to the stakes so it doesn't blow away. Make sure that the top and sides of the tree are covered and that the tarp is not touching the leaves, which can cause them to freeze.
Heat
-
As an extra precaution, gardening expert Janet H. Sanchez suggests using electric lights for additional heat. At hortmag.com, she recommends using two trouble lights within the shelter to raise the temperature 2 to 4 degrees Fahrenheit. Use an extension cord, or plug the lights into an outlet designated for outdoor use. The heat from the lights will create a climate that should be warm enough to ensure the survival of your citrus tree.
-
References
- Photo Credit Orange tree image by Evgeny Berdjansky from Fotolia.com
