Methods for insulating one-year-old columnar seedlings

Trees

The cold winter months are challenging for many fruit trees, especially young seedlings. Therefore, insulation is a key task in preparing the crop for winter. Protecting columnar seedlings from frost will be successful if you follow proper agricultural practices and pay attention to the important details of covering.

Why is insulation needed?

During winter, plantings are dormant and appear lifeless. However, the roots continue to supply the tree with nutrients, albeit less actively than during the growing season.

One-year-old seedlings are more susceptible to adverse environmental influences, so they require adequate protection. Their future development depends on how well they survive frost. High-quality shelter:

Protects the bark from cracking. The bark of seedlings is not yet fully formed and is easily damaged. Cracks can lead to disease, weakening, or deformation.
Protects from frost. During the winter months, many one-year-old seedlings freeze and die. But even if a tree is partially frozen, it will be susceptible to disease the following year.
It will protect you from mice, squirrels, and other rodents. They eat the delicate bark, significantly weakening the trees.

Columnar trees are recommended to be insulated throughout their life, especially in regions with harsh climates. This is because these trees do not produce lateral shoots, and the only growth point is located at the tip of the main shoot. If the main shoot is damaged, the tree may die.

When to prepare for winter

Choosing the right timing for insulating is the key to a successful winter. If you cover the plants too early, before temperatures have settled below freezing, you risk experiencing a resumption of vigorous growth. This almost always leads to the death of the plant. After all, the newly formed parts of the main shoot will be very weak and will not be able to withstand the coming frosts.

The insulation process

Insulation measures are necessary to preserve both the trunk and roots of columnar seedlings. The main stages of winter preparation can be summarized as follows:

After the first frost, all the leaves that haven't fallen should be collected from the tree. Otherwise, they can rot under cover and become a source of fungus. Even a small outbreak of pathogenic microflora can destroy an entire tree, especially if there's a thaw in winter.
The roots of a one-year-old seedling are located close to the top layer of soil and are therefore particularly susceptible to cold. Covering the root zone is an important part of preparing for winter. Spunbond or another covering material is suitable for insulation. For added strength, it can be secured to the trunk with rope. Natural materials (spruce branches, sawdust, etc.) are also used. If snowy winters occur in the area, snow can be used as additional insulation by piling it over the root zone.
To protect the top, use a covering material, paper, or cotton fabric. The tree should be completely wrapped in the chosen material and secured with tape, rope, or ribbon.

If your region experiences frequent winter thaws, keep in mind that the seedling will be several times hotter under cover, so ventilation is necessary. To do this, clear away any wet snow, slightly lift the cover, and leave the tree in this position for 1-2 hours. Afterward, return the cover to its original position and secure it again. Ventilation is best done during the day to prevent damage from sudden overnight temperature drops.

Consequences of improper insulation

An unsuccessful winter can lead to various types of damage. This damage depends on which part of the tree was frostbitten. If the roots are partially frozen, bud swelling will be delayed, and the tree's overall health will be impaired. If the roots are severely damaged, death is possible.