After harvesting, many people consider the gardening work to be complete. In fact, October is a key month for preparing trees for winter. At this time, they accumulate strength, strengthen the immune system and heal wounds. If you help them now, in the spring they will thank you with healthy buds, strong shoots and abundant flowering.
The main thing in October is not fertilizing with nitrogen, but protection and restoration. Nitrogen stimulates growth, but in the fall this is dangerous because young shoots do not have time to become lignified and freeze out. Instead, there are three important steps to take.
1. Treatment against fungi and pests
After the leaves fall, the trees need to be sprayed with a 5% urea solution (500 g per 10 liters of water). This is not feeding, but prevention. Urea destroys scab spores, coccomycosis and pest eggs that overwinter in the bark and under fallen leaves.
2. Strengthening roots with potassium and phosphorus
Superphosphate (30–40 g) and potassium sulfate (20–25 g) are added to each tree. Fertilizers are scattered around the tree trunk, lightly incorporated into the soil and watered if there is no rain. These elements help the roots accumulate energy and better withstand frost.
3. Whiten trunks and strip bark
The trunks are cleaned of moss, lichen and loose bark. Then they are treated with a solution of lime and copper sulfate; you will need 200 g of lime and 1 tablespoon of copper sulfate per 1 liter of water. This protects the bark from sunburn, rodents and cracks during sudden temperature changes.
It is important to remember a few rules. Fresh manure and nitrogen fertilizers should not be used because they promote growth. All fallen leaves must be removed, as diseases hibernate in them. The tree trunk circles can be mulched with compost or dry leaves in a layer of 5–7 cm, but not close to the trunk.
If everything is done in October, in the spring the buds will bloom well, the leaves will be lush green, and the flowering will be abundant. In addition, you will not have to deal with diseases that could overwinter in the garden.
Question and answer:
Why whiten trees in the fall?
Whitewashing protects the bark from sunburn in February–March, when the sun is already strong during the day and frost at night. Also repels rodents.
When is the best time to add potassium and phosphorus?
In October, until stable frosts. Fertilizers will have time to soak into the soil and reach the roots before frost sets in.
Is it possible to apply manure in October?
No, fresh manure contains nitrogen, which stimulates growth. Young shoots will not have time to become woody and will die from frost.
