With winter approaching, it’s time to give our plants a little extra protection. Because low temperatures can wreak havoc on the bodies of people who don’t adapt well to the cold. If you like citrus fruits and have one or more citrus trees in your garden, this article will be of interest to you, because we are going to show you how. Protect your lemon tree from frost.
Keep in mind that this is a tree that grows in warm and temperate climates. If you have it in an area with harsh winters, it’s best to give it a little extra protection this time of year.
The importance of protecting your lemon tree from frost
Citrus trees are native to subtropical and tropical regions, where temperatures rarely reach subzero temperatures. therefore, They are not adapted to withstand extreme conditions.
No matter how strong and healthy your tree is, if it is hit by several frosts, it can be irreparably damaged. And temperatures below 0º C can freeze water inside plant cells. Produces ice crystals that damage cellular structures..
In addition, citrus tree roots are particularly sensitive to cold. Low temperatures can change your soil’s ability to absorb water and nutrients, and this Something that can weaken the tree if the situation continues over time.
Another effect of subjecting a citrus tree to low temperatures is that the quality of its fruit will decrease. If you manage to survive the winter the tree may produce less fruit than other years and The lemons look and taste not as good as we are used to.
Keys to Protecting Your Lemon Tree from Frost
If you plan to plant a lemon tree in an area with harsh winters, we recommend choosing some cold-resistant varieties. “Lisbon” and “Eureka” tolerate low temperatures somewhat better., but don’t trust yourself. Because even the most resistant varieties can die if exposed to extreme temperatures.
To keep your tree in top condition, follow these tips to protect it from the cold:
Strategic location of lemon tree
Choosing a good planting site is the first step in protecting your lemon tree from frost. Choose a place for him that is protected from the wind and where he can. Get the maximum number of hours of sunlight possible.
Fences or structures can help you escape. The direct effect of icy wind on your tree.
If you have planted your citrus trees in pots, consider moving them to a more sheltered location after winter. For example, on a porch, or attached to one of the walls of the house.
Apply mulching.
As we pointed out earlier, citrus tree roots are particularly sensitive to cold, and this Affects the tree’s ability to absorb nutrients. But this is something that has a simple solution.
This involves applying a layer of mulch around the base of the lemon tree. A thick layer of organic mulch such as straw or bark is usually sufficient. Of course, make sure it doesn’t touch the stem. Keep it about 15 or 20 cm away from the trunk.
This mulch provides a protective layer and prevents extreme cold from reaching the roots, while helping to retain moisture in the soil.
Night protection with temporary cover
When it comes to protecting your lemon tree from frost, you should consider using a cover on the coldest nights. These are made from insulating materials, and you find them in different versions such as blankets.
All you have to do is cover the top of the tree to provide extra protection against the cold at night. After the first hours of the day (they are usually the coldest) you can remove this extra protection. Make sure the tree gets all the sunlight it needs.
If you cover and keep it on all winter, your lemon tree will not freeze, but the lack of light will become noticeable on its leaves, and this will affect its fruit. will
Although it may sound a little strange, the truth is that the specific lights we use for our Christmas tree can be a great help in helping our citrus tree get through the winter as well as possible. .
The lights (better if you choose LED to save) generate a little heat. So, if you install some lights at night and turn them on, Not only will you make your garden more beautiful and bright.but you’ll also be providing your tree with an extra dose of warmth that it will certainly take in on its own.
Preparing the lemon tree for winter
These formulas we’ve seen will help protect your lemon tree from frost, but you should do some basic maintenance before winter hits. They will allow the tree to better cope with the coldest time of the year.
- Preparatory harvesting. Remove weak or damaged branches before winter sets in, or in the first few weeks, before the cold really gets severe. Because they are more susceptible to damage caused by cold. Additionally, well-planned pruning helps in better air circulation around the plant.
- Irrigation. Before winter arrives, make sure your citrus tree is well hydrated., Because a well-hydrated plant is more resistant to cold. But do not abuse the water so as not to damage the roots. After winter sets in, reduce the frequency of watering, but make sure the soil never dries out completely.
Even if you’ve taken all the necessary precautions to protect your lemon tree from frost, don’t let it get out of your sight during the winter. Keep an eye on its evolution, and be sure to provide it with extra protection if the weather conditions become complicated, for example, if there is a warning of snow or severe frost. Prevention and early intervention will help you minimize the damage. That cold is capable of producing in this tree.