-Mulch near the base of your tree to help insulate the soil so it maintains a more even temperature and retains moisture.

-Water up until the ground freezes.

-Wrap the lower trunk with a tree wrap to prevent sun scald, which occurs when temperature fluctuate. Wraps must be removed by spring to prevent girdling. 

-You can use frost blankets or row covers to protect any early bud swelling.

-For small or vulnerable branches, you can cover them with burlap to protect them from windburn and heavy snow accumulation.

-Tree guards or wraps will also help protect from hungry rodents.

-Check in on your tree periodically so you can prevent future problems in spring.

MAINTENANCE CALENDER EXAMPLE:

November

• Wrap new trees with tree wrap to prevent rabbits and other rodents from chewing bark.

* Mow around trees to chop leaves and remove pest habitat.
* Aerate soil and add 1/2”-1” compost around tree drip-line.
* Spray fungicide to treat peaches for leaf curl.

December

• Mulch trees with 2-3” of wood chips in 18” radius around trees. (Donut shape)
• Water if dry and temperatures are staying above freezing.

January

• Complete a soil test. Recommended to be done every 3 years.
• Clean tools, sharpen tools, and prepare for the season.
• Fertilize trees with slow-release organic fertilizer (can be done between January and March)
• Water trees if the month is dry and warm.

February

• Start spraying dormant oil on fruit trees. (Resort to Pruning/Spraying Blog)

*Watch out for girdling, which is when wraps are on too tight and the bark can’t grow properly. It will cause damage to the tree and possibly kill if not caught in time.