Winter damage on fruit trees can usually be attributed to:
- Too much or too little moisture
- Late summer fertilization
- Colder midwinter temperatures than the tree can stand
- Fluctuating temperatures, especially in late fall and early spring, that reduce the plant’s hardiness
- Rodent damage
Examine the area around the base of the tree, and eliminate any depressions that will hold water around the roots or next to the trunk. Remove any vegetation within a 12- to 14-inch circle around the tree to discourage rodents such as voles and mice. Place a commercial or homemade tree guard (cylinder of ½-inch hardware cloth, 18 inches tall) around the trunk of the tree and push it an inch or so into the ground to discourage tunneling voles. If you apply organic mulch, wait to apply it until there have been several hard freezes (about Dec. 1) and make sure the mulch ends several inches from the trunk of the tree as additional protection from rodents. Mulch slows soil warming in the spring, preventing dehardening and reducing damage from occasional sudden drops in temperature. Wait until late fall (after trees are dormant) to apply needed fertilizer. for more information on fruit selection and care visit the eXtension website: Fruits.
