Many gardeners are faced with poor growth, small fruits and frequent tree diseases. The reason is often that the root system overwinters under bare, compacted soil without protection. It is possible to restore trees' strength even in mid-December if you act correctly.
Winter is already in full swing, but it’s not too late to cover the tree trunks. If you didn't have time to mulch in the fall, use what you have: compost, hay, dry straw or even cardboard. The main thing is not to dig the ground, but to lay the material on top of the snow or frozen soil. In the spring, when it thaws, the mulch will lie on the ground and begin to work.
What's suitable in December:
- Ripe, weed-free compost provides nutrition and improves soil structure,
- Hay or straw – protects against sudden temperature changes and freezing of roots,
- Cardboard or thick paper for mulch – suppresses weeds in the spring,
- Leaves – only if you prepared them in the fall and stored them dry.
How to properly cover now: - Do not touch frozen ground, do not dig or loosen.
- Rake the snow in the tree trunk circle only if it is loose and fresh; if the ground is already covered in ice, it is better not to interfere.
- Place mulch on top of the snow or directly on the soil if it is open. Layer 5–7 cm.
- Be sure to leave a 10 cm gap at the trunk so that the bark does not lock and rodents are not attracted.
- In strong winds, press down the mulch with spruce branches, branches or netting.
In spring, do not remove the mulch; it will slowly rot, release nutrition and retain moisture. If necessary, carefully loosen the soil with a fork.
This approach will reduce the risk of roots freezing, reduce the appearance of weeds and fungi, and by the next season the trees will respond with strong growth and large fruits. And in the fall, be sure to prepare leaf litter; it will become the best mulch for next winter.
