If you’ve seen the weather forecast, a freeze is coming to the Austin area.
After the grueling effects of 2023’s Winter Storm Mara on our trees, many of us are worried whenever a freeze approaches.
We asked Valerie Tamburri, our Lead Arborist, and Katherine Brown, our Tree Distribution Coordinator, to provide some steps to help protect our tree friends before a freeze.
-
-
Water your trees deeply.
The water will help insulate and protect the roots from the freezing underground. If it is a native tree, no further action is required. Drought-stressed trees are much more likely to sustain damage from a freeze than well-watered trees.
-
Cover the trees.
The crown or leaves of small sensitive trees, such as young fruit trees, can be wrapped with freeze cloth after a deep watering. You can cover smaller trees with sheets or tarps, but the cover must be large enough to reach the ground and then secured. Mulching your tree before a big freeze can also help protect the roots.
-
Bring your tree inside.
If you have yet to plant your container tree, bring it into your garage or a sheltered area until the freezing temperatures pass.
-
This information will help you and your tree family in the upcoming weather event. Take care and stay warm!
Authors
Valerie Tamburri, Director of Reforestation & Lead TreeFolks Arborist, and Katherine Brown, Tree Distribution Coordinator, provided the information for this article.
