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Winter is a critical time for many fruit crops, especially if we are talking about young, fragile seedlings and a region with harsh climatic conditions. However, the middle zone, as well as the central regions of Russia, may become unfavorable for columnar apple tree, especially if the wrong approach to their shelter for the winter is chosen.
The most effective method in this case is to initially adhere to the correct agricultural technology, creating such growing conditions for the apple tree under which it will receive the maximum of what it needs not only in winter, but also in the warm season. This applies to both the system of introducing nutrients and preventive measures to combat diseases and pests of the apple tree, as well as caring for the soil and crown.
Columnar apple trees They differ from other varieties of these fruits by the special structure of their aerial parts, thanks to which they receive the unconditional love and reverence of gardeners around the world. Such apple trees have one growth point, located at the top of the central conductor, and do not produce side shoots or branch, thereby taking up less space in the garden, which is especially important for intensive gardening and saving space in a private garden.
Damage to the main shoot in winter can lead to fatal consequences, including the complete death of the plant, which is why it is so important to understand how to organize a decent care for columnar apple trees in winter.
When to start preparing for winter
It is very important to choose the right moment when to cover the apple tree. Carrying out activities too early, when the negative temperature has not completely established and there is a possibility of heat returning, can lead to damping off of the plant’s root system, as well as to the resumption of active growth of the apple tree.
This almost always leads to its death in winter, since the newly formed sections of the shoot of the columnar apple tree will be too weak to survive the coming winter.
Apple trees for the winter It is necessary to cover only when cold weather has finally set in, leading to a slowdown in sap flow and, accordingly, a cessation of active tree growth.
I would like to emphasize that it can withstand a couple of days with low temperatures without any serious consequences, so you should make sure that the warm period is over before you start covering.
How to properly cover a columnar apple tree
Unlike other varieties of this fruit crop, the columnar apple tree must be covered, protecting it from frost for the first 5-6 years, then it will become more adapted to the growing conditions, more powerful and strong.
Then, these measures, first of all, will be necessary to preserve the integrity of the trunk of the apple tree, which may be subject to attacks by rodents.The damage caused by these pests in winter can be very great, so mechanical means used to protect against frost can be doubly useful.
The main stages of preparing a columnar apple tree for harsh winters can be reduced to the following most important points:
- After the onset of frost, it is necessary to remove all leaves that have not fallen from the apple tree. This must be done because the litter under the snow rots and can serve as a source of fungal diseases. One small outbreak of pathogenic microorganisms can destroy the entire plant, especially if there are thaws during the winter.
- Organizing the cover of the root circle: especially important for young, tender seedlings of columnar apple trees, the root system of which is located close to the top layer of soil and is susceptible to frost. As covering material You can use agrotex, spunbond, which are attached to the trunk with fabric tapes for durability and strength. As an option, sometimes spruce branches and mulch are used; this is a lightweight covering material that is at hand at any moment. If apple trees are grown in cold regions with harsh winters with little snow, preparation of the root system begins from the moment the seedling is planted: it is located in a planting trench tilted towards the sun. Growing in cold areas, where winter is characterized by large amounts of snow, has its advantage: snow cover can be used to cover the root zone, raking it under the apple tree.
- Protection of the above-ground part of a columnar tree: in order to preserve the top and prevent it from freezing, which leads to distortion of the shape of such an apple tree, it is wrapped with rags or a special covering material.
Columnar apple trees have one growth point in height, on the central shoot. Morphologically, they do not have side shoots, which gives them uniqueness and special value for gardeners, so its preservation is fundamentally important.
In the photo you can see what happens in cases where it is damaged: the apple tree does not die, but its shape subsequently changes significantly.
It should be especially noted that in regions where winters are accompanied not only by severe frosts, but also by cold gusty winds, it is not recommended to plant seedlings of columnar apple trees in the fall. Young trees do not have time to grow stronger and may die, even if the gardener knows exactly how to properly cover the apple tree for the winter.
To do this, remove the wet melted snow, slightly lift the covering material and leave the plant in this state for several hours. Then the covering material is re-fixed.
It is better to do this during the daytime so that the columnar tree does not suffer from a sudden increase in temperature in the evening and at night.
Consequences of incorrect cover
The consequences of unsuccessful wintering can be different, depending on what part of the plant was exposed to frostbite, so you need to carefully study how to prepare it for winter.
When the root system of a columnar apple tree freezes, in the spring there is a depression in the general condition of the plant and delayed bud bloom. If the apple tree is severely damaged, the plant is unlikely to be viable.
Freezing of the upper part of a columnar apple tree is, first of all, a loss of a growing point. The plant, feeling this, forms several side shoots, which should not be removed under any circumstances, because pruning will be perceived by it as another push to stress, which will lead to a delay in fruit formation and an unhealthy state in general.
Spring for gardeners should begin with a visual inspection of the plantings; if the condition of a tree causes concern, you can start spraying with immunostimulants, but it is worth remembering that this should be done only when the threat of frost has passed. Under no circumstances should you feed a tree that is under stress: this will not only not help, but may worsen the situation.
Preparing a columnar apple tree for winter is a process that requires certain experience and skills, but even a beginner can cope with it after studying all the necessary theoretical materials.
Attention to your plantings, constant care, careful adherence to the agricultural technology algorithm - these are the main keys to the successful cultivation of a columnar apple tree, which in return will delight you not only with abundant spring flowering, but also with delicious fruits.
