Page 6 - Home Garden Decorator - Issue 8

HOW TO CARE FOR

FRUIT TREES

THIS WINTER

BY ANJA SPRINGTHORPE

aring for fruit trees during the spread of disease, sterilize your CITRUS TREES.
the winter means one thing shears with rubbing alcohol before }Citrus shrubs are extremely sus-
– planning ahead. Take the and after you prune each tree. ceptible to damage in harsh winter
Cright steps at the right time conditions. Citrus trees are not
to safeguard your fruit trees during INSULATING THE ROOTS. pruned before the winter. Shape
the winter and reduce the risk of }If you are expecting a harsh your citrus in spring and summer.
disease the following year. winter or care for younger fruit trees, To protect a citrus tree from frost
Deciduous fruit trees are shrubs insulating the roots is a must. Mulch, damage, cover the root area and
that drop all of their leaves in the fall. pine straw, bark and wood chip are the first 10-15 inches of the trunk
Members of the deciduous fruit tree all suitable mediums to cover the root with soil to keep frost reaching the
family include apple, peach, pear or area of your trees. To prevent frost delicate roots. If a significant cold
plum trees. Use these simple tricks reaching too far into the ground, snap is anticipated, cover the whole
to protect your fruit trees this winter: which can cause root damage, be tree with a light fabric to protect the
generous when adding mulch. foliage. Landscape lighting, which
CLEAN UP. can be wrapped around tree trunks,
} Rake up fallen fruit and leaves WINTER WASHING. provides some warmth and is also a
from the ground, which may contain }As with fallen fruit and leaves, proven frost-damage preventative.
pests, such as insects, eggs or spores pests, eggs and spores hibernate
during the winter. inside the bark of fruit trees during
winter months. Applying a winter
PRUNING. wash reduces the risk of pests or
}Pruning fruit trees is important. fungi attacking your tree once tem-
Once leaves have dropped, remove peratures rise. Different products
dead, damaged or diseased parts with are available for particular trees,
sharp pruning shears. Thinning out areas and pests. Your local garden
unsightly branches now will help your centre can help you choose the
fruit grow next season. To prevent product best suited for your needs.

Your local garden center can

help you choose the product best
suited for your needs.

6 home garden DECORATOR