Autumn is already in full swing, and that means one thing for us gardeners. It’s time to get out in the garden and take care of the fruit trees. Wild trees in the forest can usually manage on their own without human intervention. But if you want the same bountiful harvest you’ve harvested this year, you need to put on your overalls and put your hand to work. Learn how to winterize your fruit trees so they survive the winter unscathed and you can get your crops back.
Winterising fruit trees is not to be underestimated
There’s nothing like enjoying your own harvest. But every experienced gardener knows what growing fruit trees entails. Autumn is a crucial time that determines the future harvest, so take care when wintering your fruit trees. Trees have a lot to do to prepare for the long winter period. They need to retain as many nutrients as possible to survive the bitter frosts and the subsequent spring awakening. This is also why they shed their leaves in autumn. This would freeze in winter and put unnecessary strain on the tree.
Step-by-Step Winterization of Fruit Trees
Preparing fruit trees for winter is not difficult. Unless you have extensive orchards, you’ll be done with the job in a few hours. The procedure is as follows:
- First, harvest all the fruit, even fruit that has not ripened or has rotted
- Rake the fallen leaves. If you want to use leaves as root insulation, beech and oak leaves are most ideal for this purpose
- Prune stone fruit trees (plum, cherry, peach, apricot) in autumn. But beware! Do not prune radically, just remove the dry branches and clear the very rich crowns. The apple and pear trees are pruned only in spring!
- If you live near a forest, protect your trees from wildlife. To do this, just wrap the trunk of the tree with netting
Winter weather is more erratic every year. Winter is replaced by warmth and fruit trees are in danger of waking up too early and all their crops will freeze. To prevent this, coat the trunk with lime. The white colour reflects the sun’s rays. This simple trick will delay the trees’ spring awakening.
Autumn is the ideal time to plant new fruit trees
If you’re thinking about planting new fruit trees, now is the best time to plant them. In spring, the soil usually has plenty of moisture, so the young tree will root successfully. So don’t delay planting and be sure to fertilise the tree well with the right type of fertiliser.