“Newly Planted Trees And Shrubs Need Your Help To Protect Them From Cold”

In particularly cold or exposed areas of the country it pays to protect your semi hardy trees, hedges and shrubs from strong winds and icy temperatures. Even in the dead of winter when the plants are dormant the roots can still dry out and die. It sounds bizarre to have to water in winter but you might have to do exactly this if weeks go by with drying winds and no rainfall.

For larger plants, a temporary windbreak can be fashioned using close knit netting if there is no natural shelter - anything that dilutes the full force of the wind will be of benefit. If your budget can stretch to woven hazel or willow hurdles, these can be left in place all year and will do a fantastic job.

You should check tree stakes and ties are secure enough to withstand the winter weather; at the same time you may find some ties are strangling trunks or branches and need loosening.

Smaller plants can be protected using Cosy Fleece Covers which will give up an uplift in temperarture of up to 5 degrees while still allowing air and moisture to penetrate for ultimate plant health!