Conifer Sensitivities: How to Winterize Them?

Winter Protection for Conifers and Shrubs

It may seem that conifers and shrubs can survive even the harshest winter. But even among these frost-hardy tough guys, you'll find some that need your help to make it through the cold months without breaking! Young trees and shrubs are particularly sensitive. However, all columnar conifers with an elongated shape also belong to the more delicate ones.

During the winter period, soil temperature drops below freezing point. Particularly coniferous trees are unable to absorb the amount of water they normally receive. At the same time, they lose water through natural evaporation from the needle surface. Due to frost and under layers of snow, they can easily break. Young trees, shrubs and conifers with elongated shapes are especially sensitive. These are most prone to being uprooted or broken.

So how can you help them survive the cold months without a scratch and wake up to spring in full strength?

COVER THE ROOTS

One possible solution to save your conifers' lives is timely covering of the roots. Early December is the ideal time to do this. It's suitable to use any natural material from leaves (which you surely have in abundance), to straw, peat, soil or conifer branches. Such care is doubly important during frost periods without snow cover. The same applies to all young shrubs and trees that require increased attention!

PROTECT FROM SUN, PROTECT FROM WIND

Not only frost and wind can cause trouble. Coniferous trees also need protection from the sun. A preventive measure is certainly the initial planting in the shade of another deciduous tree. However, after autumn adjustments, it may happen that the original protector no longer serves its purpose. In such a case, a erected screen, stretched cloth or net works well. A shading screen protects both from winter sun and wind. You'll win the battle against two elements at once!

JUST TIE IT UP NICELY

Under the weight of snow deposits and wind action, branches, but often entire trees – especially young conifers – bend. If you don't want them to break completely, you must tie them up. In this case, they'll thank you for a bit of constraint, don't worry! There are several variants. The simplest is to use special mesh sleeves that are simply put on the tree. However, any rope works just as well. It's most suitable to choose materials that won't damage the branches. Any non-breathable films, wires, etc. are completely unsuitable – you don't want to suffocate the tree! Instead, try burlap and maintain regular spacing when wrapping.

GET RID OF SNOW

By regularly removing snow, you prevent the load that your conifers would have to bear. Snow is one of the factors that can damage branches or even uproot the entire tree. Ideally, gently sweep off the snow with a broom or very carefully with a rake.

KEEP WILDLIFE OUT

Love animals but also love your ornamental trees? Prevent unsightly nibbled conifers by fencing your property in time. And as for the hungry wildlife, you can always go feed them at a feeding station.

Then everything will be as it should be!