There are certain types of plant life that are considered to be staples of Southern California. One of those that would have to be included is citrus trees, as people all over the region plant, grow and maintain trees that produce oranges, limes, lemon and grapefruit. Clearly, these trees are valuable for many reasons, including the facts that they produce delicious food and they tend to add aesthetic value to a property. However, they are also vulnerable to cold weather, and failing to properly care for them when the weather gets cold can lead to the destruction of the next crop of fruit.
Fortunately, there are steps that anyone can take to help protect their citrus trees as we begin to move into the cold winter months. There are different schools of thought regarding how this should be done and there are different particular steps that can be taken with regards to different types of trees. Below you will find a few suggestions to keep in mind as you look to protect your citrus trees. Those who need professional help should contact San Diego landscaping experts as soon as possible.
The Soil Bank
One method of helping to protect citrus trees against temperatures that will drop below freezing for any appreciable amount of time is using what is known as the soil bank. This method basically involves piling a layer of soil against the tree’s trunk up to approximately 15 inches high. Soil is a natural insulator from the cold, and taking this step with young trees in particular can be effective in protecting the trunk and roots from the harm that frost can inflict.
Foliage Covers
Soil banks tend to work best for younger trees, but for those trees that have gotten a bit older and bigger, foliage covers may be the best option for protection against frost and freezing temperatures. One of the mistakes that people make, however, is to wrap plastic or some other material around the foliage that does not breathe. This is a mistake, as there should be some limited airflow that passes through the covering material. There are several products available that can provide this type of protection for citrus trees.
Be Proactive
Regardless of the method that may work best for protecting your citrus trees from the cold, you will need to be proactive in providing this protection. People who have citrus trees in their yards will need to pay attention to the weather forecasts and get to work when they see that freezing temperatures are possible. There is little if anything that can be done to save a crop of citrus after it’s already been over-exposed to cold.
If you have citrus trees in your yard and you want to maximize their potential, you need to seek the help of San Diego landscaping professionals who have been helping homeowners with this process for many years. Contact Juniper Landscape Company today to schedule an initial consultation.