With the arrival of winter it is time to give our plants a little extra protection. Because low temperatures can wreak havoc on the body of those who are not well adapted to the cold. If you like citrus fruits and you have one or several lemon trees in your orchard, this article will interest you, because we are going to tell you how Protect your lemon tree from frost.
Keep in mind that this is a tree used to growing in areas with a warm and mild climate. If you have it in a region where winters are harsh, it is better that you provide it with a little extra protection during this time of year.
The importance of protecting your lemon tree from frost
Lemon trees are native to subtropical and tropical regions, where temperatures rarely reach negative temperatures. Therefore, They are not adapted to withstand extreme conditions.
No matter how strong and healthy your tree is, if it ends up being subjected to several frosts, it may suffer irreversible damage. And temperatures below 0º C can freeze the water inside plant cells and generate ice crystals that damage cellular structures.
In addition, the roots of lemon trees are also especially sensitive to cold. Low temperatures can alter your ability to absorb water and nutrients from the soil, and this is something that can weaken the tree if the situation continues over time.
Another effect of a lemon tree being subjected to low temperatures is that the quality of its fruits will decrease. If you manage to make the tree survive the winter, it is possible that its fruit production will be lower than in other years and that lemons look and taste not as good as what we are used to.
Keys to protect your lemon tree from frost
If your intention is to plant a lemon tree in an area where winters are harsh, we recommend choosing some of the most resistant varieties against the cold. The “Lisbon” and the “Eureka” tolerate low temperatures somewhat better., but don't trust yourself. Because even these most resistant varieties can succumb if they are subjected to very extreme temperatures.
To keep your tree in the best possible condition, follow these tips to protect it from the cold:
Strategic location of the lemon tree
Choosing a good place to plant the tree is the first step in protecting your lemon tree from frost. Choose a location for him that is sheltered from the wind and where he can receive the maximum possible number of hours of sunlight.
Fences or structures can help you avoid direct impact of the icy wind on your tree.
If you have your citrus trees planted in pots, consider the possibility of moving them to a more sheltered place when the cold begins to arrive. For example, on a porch, or attached to one of the walls of the house.
Apply mulching
As we pointed out before, the roots of lemon trees are especially sensitive to cold, and this affects the tree's ability to absorb nutrients. But it is something that has an easy solution.
It 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 that it does not touch the trunk. Place it at a distance of about 15 or 20 centimeters 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 covers
When it comes to protecting your lemon tree from frost, you should consider using covers during 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 offer extra protection against the cold when night comes. After the first hours of the day (they are usually the coldest) you can remove that extra protection to Ensure the tree receives all the sunlight it needs.
If you place the cover and leave it on permanently throughout the winter, your lemon tree will not freeze, but the lack of light will be noticeable on its leaves, and that will end up affecting its fruits.
Use Christmas lights
Although it seems a little strange, the truth is that the typical lights that we use for the Christmas tree can be great allies in helping our lemon tree get through the winter as best as possible.
The lights (better if you choose LED to save) generate a slight amount of heat. Therefore, if you place some lights and turn them on at night, Not only will you make your garden more beautiful and bright, but you will also provide an extra amount of heat to your tree that it will surely receive willingly.
Preparing the lemon tree for winter
These formulas that we have seen will help protect your lemon tree from frost, but before the cold arrives you should have carried out some basic care that also They will allow the tree to better cope with the coldest time of the year.
- Preparation pruning. Before winter arrives, or in the first weeks, before the cold becomes really intense, remove weak or damaged branches. Because these are more prone to damage caused by the cold. Furthermore, a well planned pruning It helps air circulate better around the plant.
- Irrigation. Before winter arrives, make sure your lemon tree is well hydrated, because a well-hydrated plant is more resistant to the cold. But do not abuse the water so as not to damage the roots. Once winter sets in, reduce the frequency of watering, but make sure the soil never becomes completely dry.
Even if you have taken all the necessary precautions to protect your lemon tree from frost, don't let it out of your sight during the winter. Keep track of its progress, and be sure to give it extra protection if weather conditions become complicated, for example, if there is a warning of snowfall or extreme frost. Prevention and early intervention will help you minimize damage that the cold is capable of causing in this tree.