How to Winterize Fruit Trees

How to Prepare Fruit Trees for Winter

There is always so much to do to get ready for winter.

With the mad rush to harvest the last of the crops, mulch and cut back perennials, and surround the cool-weather vegetables with hoop houses, it can be so easy to forget about the trees!

But while fruit trees may seem resilient, they are still susceptible to damage from frost and cold temperatures, and it is important to take steps to prepare them for winter.

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This article will teach you how to winterize the fruit trees in your yard, as well as those planted in containers.

Readying fruit trees for winter only takes a little time and effort, and doing so will keep them from being harmed by freezing temperatures, cold winds, and hungry animals.

The roots are such a crucial component of a tree. They are the link between the tree and the nutrient-rich soil below.

During the spring and summer, the roots absorb water and nutrients from the soil, drawing them into the trunk, branches, and leaves.

As the autumn days become shorter and the temperature drops, the tree prepares for dormancy. Deciduous trees will drop their leaves, halting the production of energy via photosynthesis.

Metabolism slows and active growth stops, to conserve energy through the winter months. The tree uses stored energy reserves to survive.

Healthy roots are crucial to a healthy tree, so it is important to protect them from harsh winter conditions.

Periods of freezing and thawing can cause damage to roots, especially for young or cold-sensitive trees.

Both soil and bark expand when it is warm, and shrink when it is cold.

During