Tree Protection - Tree Guider

A protected environment is mandatory for the growth and sufficient fruit production of a citrus tree. Harsh wind can be a big resistance that damages tree branches and fruits. We can’t control the environment but you can follow some prevention steps to reduce the damage. Within a while, you will know how to protect citrus trees from wind. Also, we are going to inform you how to protect citrus trees from frost. It will assist your citrus trees to stay strong against strong winds. So, the tree will continue serving you delicious citrus fruits without getting damaged by the wind. What fruits are considered citrus? Fruits that are produced in citrus trees are considered as Citrus fruits. Some of the most common citrus fruits are Lemon, Oranges, Grapefruit, Blood orange, Clementine, Tangelo, Kumquat, Pomelo, and Meyer lemon. Australia, South Asia, East Asia, North Asia, and Melanesia are native countries of citrus trees. Subtropical areas are mostly suitable for the growth of a citrus tree. It grows fluently in sunny and wind-protected areas. That’s why you need to take preventive steps to protect trees from harsh wind. Is Wind Good or Bad for Citrus Trees? If the wind blows gently, it won’t be damaging to citrus trees. Moreover, it will be beneficial for the growth and development of tree trunks. But harsh wind such as around 40 MPH can damage the tree badly. It can cause tree branches to break. In the fruit-producing period, it can damage the process. Too harsh wind that is around 60-70 miles per hour can uproot the entire tree. Winds can be also damaging to young trees. The roots of young citrus trees are too vulnerable to harsh wind. If the tree sways wildly in the wind, there is high possibility that the roots are getting damaged along with the branches. How To Protect Citrus Trees From Wind? 5 Methods To Follow Choose a protected Location While Planting First things first, choosing a suitable area that is wind-protected will be the best method to protect your citrus trees from the strong wind. If you are about to plant a tree, you should start searching for such areas. Also, there should be enough sunlight for the tree. Any such places that receive less wind due to nearby structures or other big trees would be a perfect location for citrus trees. Alongside this, enough space is also required for the development of the tree branches and root systems. Well, that sounds great. But what to do when you have already planted the tree? Don’t worry; the next methods are going to be helpful for you. Employ Windbreak Netting Installing windbreak netting is the most convenient wind protection method for citrus trees. It will save your evergreen shrubs from all sorts of possible damage caused by the tree. Do you know how it protected the tree from the winds? Alright, windbreak netting is highly effective for reducing the wind speed by changing the direction. So, when to cover citrus trees? You need to cover it during strong wind blowing. Along with protecting citrus from strong winds, it will help the citrus trees to increase overall fruit production. According to Freeman (1976), proper windbreak netting increased overall fruit production by 13% to 16%. High wind can also cause evaporation and trees will suffer from dryness. It reduces the chances of unexpected evaporation by 30%. Install Natural Windbreakers You can plant some trees near your citrus that will work like natural windbreaker. Are you wondering which types of trees you can use for that purpose? Birch, Norway spruce, White cedar, Douglas fir, Eastern red cedar, Eastern white pine, Bur oak, Western red cedar, and White spruce will be the best choice as natural windbreakers. It has another advantage apart from the strong wind protection. It will protect the soil from soil erosion. Indirectly, it will be helpful for root development. Moreover, it will work as a heat trap in the summer. Overall, the tree will get protection against numerous potential threats. Maintain A Balanced Shape You need to maintain a balanced shape for your citrus trees by pruning the trees regularly. Particularly, you have to prune the branches that sway in the wind. In most cases, branches that sway in the air break down easily in strong winds. At the same time, it makes the root weaker. If you prune the citrus tree, it will not expose the branches against harsh wind. That makes it less vulnerable. While pruning tree branches, you need to pick the dead branches first. Also, you should prune the branches section that is swaying in the wind, not the entire branch. It will be beneficial for the healthy growth and fruit production of the tree. Employ A Protective Cover This method will be highly beneficial for newly planted and small-sized citrus trees. You can use a guard to cover the entire tree. If the wind blows harshly, you should cover the tree using it. When things become normal, you should remove the protective cover. You can use this method during the blossom and fruit production period. For citrus trees with a little bigger shape, you can use a plastic spiral tree guard and tree trunk protector. To stay on the safe side, the process of covering the entire tree with a protective cover should be time-efficient. It will cover the tree quickly when strong winds start blowing suddenly. You can find frost cloth for citrus trees on Amazon. Now, you are aware of the methods to protect citrus trees from wind. But what about the frost? Like the wind, frost can also cause serious damage to your favorite citrus trees. Do you know how to cover citrus trees from frost? Many gardeners are willing to know about can orange tree survive winter. Here’s the solution to all those queries. How To Protect Citrus Trees From Frost? Wrap tree Trunk Wrapping tree trunks is the most effective way to protect citrus trees from frost and difficult weather. You can use blankets and cardboard as the wrapping materials of frost protection for citrus trees. But it has potential risks. Gardeners should keep an eye to inspect insect infestation. Apart from this, it will work as a lemon tree frost protection. Soil Insulator Soil works as an insulator to protect citrus trees from frost. The application process is also simple to follow. You just need to put clean soil on the citrus trunk around 1-2 feet high. That will do the job of a natural insulator. You have to remove the soil insulator in the spring. This is super effective to protect from frost. Use Temporary Cover Using a temporary cover will be a good solution to keep citrus safe from wind and frost protection for citrus trees. You can use 47 x 72-inch frost blankets for outdoor plants with a drawstring. Also, you can also use 47.7" X 71.7" large frost blankets for plants frost cloth plant freeze protection. It works excellent for citrus freeze protection. Plant Citrus Trees In Containers This method will be a great solution if you are about to plant your citrus trees. You can use a container to plant the trees rather than planting them in your yards. Sweet orange, Meyer lemon, Mandarin orange, Kumquat, Finger Lime, Kaffir lime, Tangelo, Yuzu, and Clementine are suitable for growing in containers. You can easily move the tree to a suitable place in winter. If you are getting concerned about how to protect lemon tree in winter, you can follow this process. Use Heat-Generating Incandescent Bulbs Using heat-generating incandescent bulks is another way that works excellent to protect shrubs and citrus trees from wind. You don’t have to covering trees for frost. The bulb will increase the temperature for the tree to survive in frost. But you have to follow some safety measures to follow this process. Make sure that the lights are connected to a safe electric source. Otherwise, it can cause you to get electric shock as the condition will be wet. Final Thoughts Citrus trees are a popular choice for gardeners due to their delicious fruits. It may take around 5-6 years to start producing fruits. To allow the tree to reach that phase, you need to protect it from winds. At this stage, you have learned the proper way to protect citrus trees from wind and frost. You just need to implement those methods to enjoy citrus fruits in the distant future. FAQ How do you protect citrus trees?You need to make sure that your citrus is getting proper water. Then, apply fertilizer to supply proper nutrients to the trees. Also, you need to take the necessary steps to protect citrus trees from wind and frost.How do I protect my lemon tree?ou should cover the lemon tree with a blanket to protect it from wind, freezing, low temperature, and challenging weather.What is the best spray for citrus trees?Horticultural oil is considered the best spray for citrus trees to protect them from pest infestation, and common plant diseases.How do you protect trees from strong winds?You can employ windbreak netting and install natural windbreakers to protect trees from strong winds.How to protect blossoms from wind?Cover the entire tree with clothes, a net, or a blanket to protect the flowers and fruits of a tree. Also, harvest fruits that are already ripe. What wind speed is bad for citrus trees?Any type of wind around or more than 39-40 miles per hour is harmful to citrus trees.