You will need the following:

• Tree wrap
• Some Mulch
• Window screen or 1/4″ mesh hardware cloth

Young trees are susceptible to sun scald during winter months, a problem caused by fluctuations in temperature. During the day if the sun is shining, bark temperatures will rise higher than air temperatures. Yet when the sun sets or is blocked by clouds, the bark temperature drops rapidly, damaging plant tissue. We want to prevent this from happening by wrapping the trunks of trees with ‘tree wrap’. Wrap the trunk from its base upward to just below where the canopy starts. Make sure you remove the wrap in spring so it does not impede the tree’s growth.

We also want to protect your tree’s bark from hungry rodents during winter food shortages by constructing a cylinder out of window screen or ¼” mesh hardware cloth. The cylinder should penetrate the soil to a depth of 2-3″ if possible and should be about 3″ larger in diameter than the trunk of your tree.

Another important factor in keeping your trees healthy during the winter months is maintaining the moisture content of the soil. Avoid fertilizing your trees in late summer to early fall so they have a chance to harden off. After deciduous trees lose their leaves but before the ground freezes, give them a good dose of water. Next, mulch around your trees. Start from the outside of the wire cylinder and mulch the entire area under the tree’s drip line to a depth of about 3″.

This should give your tree a dynamic chance at not only surviving the winter months, but thrive them.  Just make sure when spring rolls around you give The ByHP a call and donate the unused portions of your orchard to those in need.  Together, we can Care for the Children…