Do I need to cover apricots for the winter?

Apricot trees are generally undemanding, but they are very heat-loving. While in southern regions the plant doesn't need winter cover, in temperate climates, this is a crucial part of care. Proper preparation of apricot trees for prolonged frosts is the key to a good harvest and healthy trees. Insulation requirements vary depending on the region's climate.

Selecting a covering material

The two main problems gardeners face during the winter months are rot and freezing of apricot trees. The growing location and variety of apricot trees directly determine the measures taken to prepare for the coming cold weather, including the choice of covering material. Mulch is considered a universal option suitable for all climates. The soil surface is covered with straw, pine sawdust, dried leaves, shredded cardboard, or any scraps of material used for covering plants.

Shelter for fruit trees is selected taking into account the weather conditions of the region:

1. To protect apricots in the middle zone, mulch will be quite sufficient.
2. In the Moscow region, temperatures occasionally plummet, often resulting in frostbite on developing buds and branches. To prevent this, along with mulching, southern plants are insulated with special "breathable" materials (such as burlap or agrofibre). If significant cold weather is expected, as an additional protective measure, the plant is covered with a layer of film to ensure adequate air circulation.
3. In the Volga region, trees are pre-cut to a height of 2.5-3 m, after which the soil is covered with spruce branches, compost or straw.
4. The Siberian and Ural climates are known for their harshness. Winter brings heavy snowfalls, which melt in the spring, flooding the root system. Therefore, with the arrival of warm weather in the northern regions, the risk of damping-off and root rot arises. Therefore, in addition to basic protective measures, gardeners in Siberia and the Urals create drainage channels.

In regions where severe frosts at night are common, the soil around the trunk is sprinkled with a thick layer of soil (necessarily dry) and spruce branches are placed on top.

As for the variety, even winter-hardy apricots that can withstand severe cold snaps absolutely cannot tolerate sudden temperature fluctuations. These crops require special protection for their root system and root collar. When the first snow falls, it is pushed away from the trunk, allowing the soil to freeze thoroughly. This prevents root collar rot.

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Insulation instructions

Once you've decided on the covering material and method and completed the preparatory work (pruning, fertilizing, etc.), you can begin covering the apricots. This is done when the temperature drops to approximately 8°C.

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The insulation process has several stages:

1. Loosening the soil within a radius of 2 m around the trunk.
2. Laying peat, dry leaves, or humus on the dug soil. The optimal layer thickness is 20 cm.
3. Mulching.
4. Cover the soil within a 1.5 m radius from the tree with an additional thick layer of mulch.
5. Laying protective material and wrapping the trunk (optional). To completely cover the tree, drive about six stakes, slightly shorter than the trunk, around it. The protective material is placed on the resulting framework.

If the apricot tree has been attacked by pests and is often sick, it is better to whitewash the trunk before insulating it.

Apricot trees have poor frost resistance. When grown in the northern and central regions of the country, the southern crop must be covered. If properly protected, the tree will delight you with a rich and delicious harvest every year.