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Winter is a critical time for many fruit crops, especially when it comes to a young fragile seedling and a region with harsh climatic conditions. However, the middle lane, 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, in 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 nutrient introduction system and preventive measures to combat diseases and pests of the apple tree, as well as to care for the soil and crown.
Columnar apple trees differ from other varieties of these fruit, the special structure of the aboveground part, 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, while they do not give side shoots, do not 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, up to the complete death of the plant, which is why it is so important to understand how to organize a decent columnar apple care 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 finally established itself and there is a possibility of heat return, can lead to damping out of the root system of the plant, 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 areas 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 the cold has finally established, leading to a slowdown in sap flow, and, accordingly, an end to the active growth of the tree.
I would like to emphasize that she can endure a couple of days with low temperatures without any serious consequences, so you should make sure that the heat time is over before starting to cover.
How to properly cover a columnar apple tree
Unlike other varieties of this fruit crop, the columnar apple tree should be covered without fail, protecting it from frost for the first 5-6 years, then it will become more adapted to growing conditions, more powerful and strong.
Then, these measures, first of all, will be necessary to preserve the integrity of the apple tree trunk, which can be exposed to rodent attacks. The damage done by these pests in winter can be very high, so mechanical means used to protect against frost can be doubly useful.
The main stages of preparing a columnar apple for harsh winters can be summarized as follows:
- 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 litter under the snow overheats and can serve as a source of fungal diseases.A single minor breeding ground for pathogenic microorganisms can destroy an entire plant, especially if thaws are observed during the winter.
- The organization of the shelter of the root circle: it is especially important for young tender seedlings of a columnar apple tree, the root system of which is located close to the top layer of the soil and is susceptible to frost. As covering material you can use agrotex, spunbond, which are attached to the trunk with cloth tapes for fidelity and strength. As an option, spruce branches and mulch are sometimes used, this is a lightweight covering material that is at hand at any moment. If apple trees are grown in cold regions with severe winters with little snow, the preparation of the root system begins from the moment the seedling is planted: it is located in the planting trench at an angle towards the sun. Growing in cold areas, where winter is characterized by a large amount of snow, has its own plus: the snow cover can be used to cover the root zone, shoveling 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 a rag or 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, therefore, its preservation is fundamentally important.
In the photo you can see what happens when it is damaged: the apple tree does not die, but its shape changes significantly in the future.
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 get 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 raise the covering material and leave the plant in this state for several hours. Then the covering material is fixed again.
It is best to do this in the daytime, so that the columnar tree does not suffer from a sudden increase in temperature in the evening and at night.
Consequences of wrong cover
The consequences of an unsuccessful wintering can be different, depending on which part of the plant was susceptible to frostbite, so it is necessary to carefully study how to prepare it for winter.
With the freezing of the root system of a columnar apple tree, in the spring there is a depression of the general condition of the plant, later budding. If the apple tree is severely damaged, the plant is unlikely to be viable.
Freezing of the upper part of the columnar apple tree is, first of all, the loss of the growth point. The plant, sensing this, forms several lateral shoots, which should not be removed in any case, because pruning will be perceived by it as another impetus 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 is of 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. In no case should you feed a tree that is under stress: this not only will not help, but can aggravate 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 this completely by studying all the necessary theoretical materials.
Attention to your plantings, constant care, careful adherence to the agricultural technology algorithm 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.
