How to Protect Apple Tree Seedlings from Frost: The Best Way
Mature apple trees with their thick skin are not afraid of frost, which cannot be said about young trees – they can die in the first winter.
To protect apple tree seedlings from sub-zero temperatures, you can use the following method.
How to protect an apple tree in the year of planting
To prevent the seedlings from freezing, you will need to build a warm, breathable shelter.
Spruce branches are considered the best covering material.
First of all, mulch the tree trunk circle with a layer of peat or humus 3-5 centimeters thick. The layer near the trunk itself should be thicker - 7-8 centimeters.
Then place spruce branches (5-7 branches) around the tree to completely cover the trunk circle.
Spruce branches need to be sprinkled with peat or manure. Make a thin and not continuous layer - 2-3 centimeters is enough.
Place the remaining branches of the spruce branches around the trunk in the form of a tent and secure with a bandage or soft rope in two places (top and middle), being careful not to damage the bark.
The hut should also be covered with soil - you can use the same peat or rotted manure.
Please note that the spruce hut should not cover the lower branches of the apple tree, since under the cover and the weight of the fallen snow they may not withstand and break.
