How Should I Cover My Satsuma Tree From the Cold?

The Satsuma mandarine orange needs protection from frost.

The Satsuma mandarin orange tree is often called a tangerine tree. Like all other types of citrus trees, it is sensitive to freezing temperatures, but it can tolerate cold down to 25 degrees Fahrenheit for relatively short periods of time. If you live in a hardiness zone in which temperatures fall lower, it is wise to grow your Satsuma in a pot and move it indoors for the winter or build a simple frost frame to protect it.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• 2-by-2 boards
• Saw
• Nails or screws
• Hammer or screwdriver
• Clippers, loppers or tree saw
• Heavy duty clear plastic
• Staple gun
• Staples

Instructions

1. Measure the height and width of your Satsuma mandarin tree. If your tree is not yet fully grown, estimate its eventual size to determine how large to build your frost frame.

2. Calculate the amount of lumber to purchase, based on this example: for a tree that is 5 feet tall with a 3.5 foot spread, you’ll be building a frame that measures 6 feet tall by 4 feet wide because it must be slightly larger than to tree to prevent the plastic covering from touching any branches. You’ll need four 8-foot-long 2-by-2 corner posts. You’ll also need four horizontal support posts at the top and four at the middle of your structure, for a total of 32 feet. Therefore, purchase 64 feet of uncut 2-by-2 lumber.

3. Saw the lumber to the lengths you need.

4. Hammer or screw your 2-by-2's together to form the frame. You’ll have four 8-foot boards — one at each corner — and four horizontal support boards connecting these at both the top and center.

5. Set the frost frame over the top of your tree, positioning it so no branches stick through the top or sides. If they do, prune them with clippers, loppers or a tree saw.

6. Drape a large sheet of heavy gauge clear plastic over the top of your frame and then staple it to the boards.

Tips & Warnings

• It’s better to build your frost frame too large rather than too small.

• Two-by-two boards are sold in 8-foot lengths: for this example, you’ll need four uncut boards and four more 8-foot boards, each of which you’ll cut into two equal lengths. If your tree is larger, search for boards that are 10 or 12 feet long and adjust the frame's size to fit your tree.

• Remove the clear plastic from your frost frame after the threat of frost passes in spring; cover your tree again in fall.

• Do not allow the plastic to touch any part of your tree.

References

• Alabama Cooperative Extension: Passive Protection
• University of California: Frost Protection for Citrus and Other Subtropicals
• University of Florida Nassau County Extension: Citrus