Young trees come through winter best when watered deeply until the ground freezes, mulched over the root zone, and wrapped against sunscald, which is bark damage on the sunny side of the trunk. Covers and antitranspirant sprays add protection during hard freezes and drying winds.

Why are young trees prone to winter damage and sunscald?

Because their bark is thin and their roots are still shallow. Winter sun warms the sunniest side of the trunk by day, and a fast freeze at night can split the bark from the wood, damage also called frost cracking or southwest injury. Frozen ground also stops roots from replacing water lost to winter wind.

How is a young trunk shielded from sunscald?

By wrapping the bark in fall, a step the winter tree care guide suggests for young trees. Light colored wrap or a trunk guard evens out the bark's daily heating and cooling, and comes off in spring so the bark does not stay damp. Even so, the guide notes that frost cracking cannot always be prevented.

How are young trees protected from hard freezes and drying winds?

With water, mulch, and cover. Deep watering continues until the ground freezes, and organic mulch 2 to 4 inches deep, kept clear of the trunk to discourage mice, buffers root temperature. Shortly before a hard freeze, a TreeHelp Cold Weather Tree Blanket is draped over a seedling or small tree, keeping the air beneath up to 6 to 8°F warmer. To slow moisture loss from evergreen foliage, Wilt Pruf Plant Protector Concentrate, mixed at the 1 to 5 winter rate, coats needles and leaves in a clear film.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should snow be shaken off a young tree?

No. Frozen wood is brittle, so snow is cleared gently from the bottom up rather than shaken loose.

How are rabbits kept away from young trunks?

With a wire mesh enclosure around the trunk, which also keeps them from gnawing bark when other food is scarce.

Does sunscald affect older trees too?

Less often, since thicker bark buffers temperature swings, but thin barked species such as maple and birch can stay prone for years.

Does a young tree need staking in winter?

Only if it is vulnerable to storms. Staking or guying can reduce sway in high winds while the roots establish.