How to Winterize Fruit Trees

The effort to take precautions to winterize your fruit trees will be rewarded in the time of harvest. To winterize a tree simply means to protect it during the harsh winter elements. Other that the winter weather, trees that are not properly winterized are exposed to the risk of bug infestations as the little critters try to find shelter from the cold winter months.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pruning clippers
• String or rope with ground stakes
• Insulated wrap
• Organic mulch
• Garden hoe or small tiller

1. Prune. It is neccessary to prune trees so that you are able to remove dead or damaged branches. Pruning also prevents overcrowding of leaves and flowers which will allow more room and sunlight to reach the growing fruit.

2. Stablize. New fruit trees and saplings should be stablized to avoid bending or breaking under the weight of snow or ice. A small tree can be easily stabilized by tying heavy string or rope to securely embedded stakes.

3. Wrap. The bottoms of small fruit tree trunks should be wrapped with an insulated covering. For very young fruit tree saplings, use actual sheets or blankets to protect them from frost, snow or sleet.

4. Mulch. Using an organic mulch, cover the root system of the trees. Ground should be aerated (tilled) with a garden hoe or small tiller before mulch is applied. By aerating and mulching, the fruit trees will take in the nutrients needed to produce a bountiful harvest.

Tips & Warnings

• Always prune trees in the autumn season. Trees begin to go dormant at this time of year.