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There are steps you can do right now to preserve your trees, whether you planted a young tree within the last few months or you're merely concerned about especially susceptible trees freezing this winter. You can always rely on The Dirt Bag to be your first choice for anything gardening related, even in the winter. Any temperature below 32 degrees is considered freezing, and we most definitely experienced those levels across the state. A younger tree runs the risk of its leaves and branches freezing if it needs to endure protracted freezing temperatures.
Certain trees are more likely than others to freeze by nature. These include trees that are probably not found in this area of the nation, like oleander, citrus, eugenia, catalpa, and jacaranda. It should come as no surprise that tropical and subtropical plants suffer greatly in freezing temperatures; yet, even native trees are vulnerable if they are fragile, immature, or experiencing new development.
A potential tree-freezing disaster is assured when you consider that winters are growing harsher and colder. There is yet time to act. Here are some tips to help your trees stand out in the winter.
All you have to do is cover your trees. The ideal materials are even sheets, tarps, and burlap. In order to absorb the heat from the soil, make sure the coverage reaches upward from the ground. In order to minimize spaces between the material and the ground, frames and stakes are essential. It's much easier with potted plants—just bring them inside. If that isn't feasible, being inside is preferable to being outside in the weather.
Remember that damp soil will both absorb more solar radiation and radiate back during the night. Larger trees that require protection may benefit from having sprinklers run from 4 to 6 a.m., which is the coolest time of day. This makes use of the latent heat that is generated during the solidification of water. Every time an ice crystal forms on a leaf, the leaf's moisture is being drawn out by the crystals. Make sure the plant or tree isn't already experiencing a severe drought to reduce the amount of the ensuing, harmful dehydration.
Additionally, you can reduce freezing damage by removing any turf or weeds from under tree canopies. The best soil for absorbing and reflecting heat is bare earth. Mulch, especially wood chip or shredded bark mulch, acts as an insulator for roots and helps to keep moisture from escaping. Mulch doesn't have to wait for spring to arrive! Additionally, you can place plants and trees that are prone to freezing near structures and other reflected heat sources like walls.
If there is a freeze, don't panic and hold off on pruning. Hold off until spring, as the damage may appear worse than it actually is. If a dieback is severe, however, you can use a whitewash or partial cover to shield recently exposed sections of a trunk or branch. The Dirt Bag is the place to go if you want additional advice.
