Effective Ways To Protect Your Tree From Frost

As the temperature drops to 32 degrees, frost will soon become inevitable. And while it's common knowledge the frost destroys delicate plants, most people aren't aware that it also affects trees.

No matter what age the tree may be, it can be susceptible to frost. So, before it even arrives, it's best to learn a few steps to help protect your trees from it. 

How frost endangers your tree
It's not the frost per se that destroys a tree. It's the effect that the low temperature has on its internal structure. The ice crystal tends to build within the tree's tissues affects its growth and may even start to form inside its tiny cells.

So, a tree's natural response is to thicken the fluid within its cell membrane. Yet, the damage that it causes can also cause adverse effects to the tissue. Even worse, it can even lose its moisture.

Protecting your tree from frost
The best way to protect your tree is by protecting it from the harsh elements. Trees with thin bark are vulnerable to sun-scald. Whenever the day starts to warm up during the winter, the tree barks also heat up. Thus, causing the tissue within the bark to rapidly break from its dormancy. Then, as soon as it gets cold, the tissue underneath the bark starts to freeze. Thus, resulting in recessed areas.

What you need to do is to stay proactive, especially when it comes to managing your tree. The first step you need to take is to wrap the tree trunk with a plastic tree guard. If you don't have it available, then any opaque protective tree wrap should also do the trick. Doing so will help shield your tree against sun-scald.

Next, use frost shields for fruit-bearing trees. You can also spray it with frost shield coats together with a protective film to help protect it from moisture loss.

Protecting plants from late frost
Sudden temperature drop can heavily affect the trees, especially if they're newly planted. So, the best way to protect them is by careful planning. Prepare all the tools that you need before late spring frost occurs.

One way to do it is by getting yourself updated with the latest weather news. Check for any expected temperature drop so that you can get yourself prepared. 

Next, water your plant carefully before the freezing day. It would be best if you also mulched the surrounding area to keep the moisture in and prevent any chances of frost heaving.

You can also consider covering your tree with burlap or a bed sheet if it's still a seedling for additional protection. But it will help if you remember to remove the cover the next day so that your plant won't overheat.

Tree care can be complicated, especially during the cold season. So, before it happens, you need to get all your equipment ready to increase the chances of saving your tree. Being proactive about shielding your tree against the weather guarantees that it'll come out blooming the following season.