Top Reasons Fruit Trees Die in Winter & How to Prevent it

[@chryyys.fiction]

I'm not trying to learn from ANYONE who isn't as passionate as this guy!

[@mary5292]

Great info. Another main issue: watering!! At least in Colorado, when temps above 45 to 50 degrees, good to water your trees. Its imperative here!

[@theurbanthirdhomestead]

I'm in Colorado, and was just looking for answers to the question, should I water my new peach trees in the winter? Thank you!

[@juliekooiker3408]

I appreciate that I have been able to have a very diverse garden because of your seed prices. My seeds have done well with excellent germination and I had a late frost it took out some of my plants and I could afford to reseed. You are doing a service for large families like my own which has been your channels mission. grow big or go home! Keep it up Mi gardener team!!!

[@JohnDoe_88]

I recently purchased my trees from Stark Brothers and picked only varieties that are around our area as to being developed in Minnesota Canada or Michigan where I'm at to try and give the best chance of survival with local native varieties.

[@MakeYourLifeGreener]

I love your movies! You're my favorite garden youtuber from US! In my country, fruit trees die out also in early spring because the warm weather wakes up the trees and then frosts come. In Poland the trunks of fruit trees are painted in white using lime so that the sun's rays do not heat the trunks and do not stimulate plants to grow to early. Greetings, Anna

[@frostygenetics4905]

Grow big or go home! One of the best sayings I've stuck to for years.

[@emmitstewart1921]

One thing the old timers used to do was to start feeding a very high potash fertilizer after August. Potash helps the tree form mature wood. Some phosphate is good at this time too, because it makes the tree grow healthier roots. Under no circumstance give your trees nitrogen in fall. Another thing old timers would do was sprinkle moth crystals around the base of their trees. That is because the larvae and pupae of some borers winter over in the soil and the fumes from the crystals seep down into the ground and suffocate the larvae. One way to tell if you have such borers is to look at the base of the tree. If you see tiny holes with a pile of sawdust below, you have borers.

[@kathleennorton6108]

In fall my Grandpa would put a slow trickle under his younger maple tree for a long time, to make sure it had sufficient water to stand the winter. That tree is now one of the biggest trees in town. People think it is amazing and remark about it.

[@MrAk907pride]

Also, a late hard frost after the tree breaks dormancy (sap starts flowing) can kill a tree

[@dlhewitt2873]

Thanks, Luke. Good information. A video on applying dormant oil would be greatly appreciated. I have used it in the past but don't know if I am applying it properly. Rule #1 - Don't do it on windy days. ;-)

[@TheBusyGardener]

Exactly right about the windy days. Nothing worse than seeing the spray come out and then bending sideways away from its intended target, lol!

[@elizabethmendiola5373]

Oh my goodness. Learned what I needed to know to get through the winter. Thank you thank you

[@angelalowe5987]

I just wanted to say Thank you again for the great Customer Service that I received today when I called to fix an issue with my order. You have a great staff and I am happy to be a customer. I love the videos also. ❤

[@kathyann7027]

great information...thank you! My crab apple died over winter, when spring came...nothing....it then started oozing something like sap....and what I was told cankers all over. it was such a beautiful tree....only 5 years old.

[@horrido666]

Deer and mice have been my biggest problems here in zone 4 (mpls xurbs). I put corrugated tubing around the smaller trees to prevent freeze-thaw in the middle of the winter. Some trees will never thrive due to their location (poor soil, sun or drainage). For me fruit trees have been the most difficult. I've got 6 apple, 2 plum, 1 peach, 2 cherry. I dont fertilize my trees, and my yard is clay like soil with poor drainage. I've never lost a tree to the winter. It actually got down to zone four temps last winter, too, which is neg 30F. My grapes were hit pretty hard, and I lost two crab apples trees that were over 30 years old (so ready to go anyway). Otherwise all of my tree losses have been a result of too much rain - we are well above typical around here. Last year was a record high precipitation year (and the growing season was shorter than usual as well). 2019 growing season was absolutely brutal - my worst results ever.

[@Just-Nikki]

Unrelated to the video but my copy of The Autopilot Garden came in yesterday and I’m about to start reading it a second time! It’s well written and comprehensive. This truly is an amazing method backed by the trial and errors ( that most of us gardeners have experienced ) condensed into a superior method. I HIGHLY recommend investing $20 if you’re on the fence. You will certainly see a return on that investment in many forms. Great work Luke, the dedication and acknowledgement almost had me in tears. I’m so impressed with what you have achieved and looking forward to implementing this on my little homestead. Grow big or GO HOME 🤙🏼

so this can explain why my tree, Ms Keisha, threw a fit and died ;-;

[@Sg4809]

Lmao! Ms. Keisha.....🤣🤣🤣

[@kathleennorton6108]

So, I'm not the only one who names plants.

[@chimneyclean]

Im in New Zealand this spring my citrus tree died, wondered why & when i dug it up there was a dry white dusty fungus powder growing on the roots. No wonder nothing i tried helped! Sad.

[@Matt0sh]

The same happened to my norfolk island pine and it died.

[@Just-Nikki]

matin rahimi same with my Norfolk from Home Depot!

[@mandythislovelypath3740]

Voles are our issue. They burrow in the roots systems during snow.

[@frikandelspeciaal1431]

check in which climate zone grows, dry or wet, hot or cold or combination and soil type. For hot sun white wash can help.

[@AlsHomestead]

Interesting. Apple trees must be VERY cold hardy because where I live in northern Wisconsin the temps are absolutely brutal and the wind is horrible but we haven't lost any of our young apple trees!

[@volchonokanna13]

Hello fellow wisconsinite

[@AlsHomestead]

@@volchonokanna13 hello!

[@XoroksComment]

It actually varies from tree to tree within one species, often depending on their origin. There are apple varieties that simply can take more cold than others. The origin of trees is especially important in forestry, as it determines the cold hardiness as well as the time of bud break (danger of late frosts).

[@AlsHomestead]

@@XoroksComment yeah I knew this just trying to day that apple trees in general are harder than peach trees

[@XoroksComment]

@@AlsHomestead Yes, that's very true. But it's always worth researching different varieties and growing cold sensitive trees against a south-facing wall to shelter them from the cold if you live in a borderline growing zone. I've heard good things about Siberian peaches if that's an issue for you 👍🏼

[@simonhenry7415]

OMG Luke - I've got an Elberta Peach that I planted from bare rooted tree stock last winter here in Australia. I"m frightened this guy might die now since this video. Super sad.

[@theresaferguson6432]

Hi , I moved to maryland from alabama 2 years ago and brought my lemon tree. i covered my tree with plastic and wrapped it and it died down to the grown ,but today its about 3 ft tall and beautiful .....but now winter is coming on ..my question is ,is there more that i can do to keep it from dying down to the grown and having to start all over again next year.

[@arekgrochala6012]

Hey man, watching you for a while now! Really helpful, always wonder where did you get your knowledge from??? Greetings from Scotland

[@oregonwoman1290]

In one episode, he mentioned that he was a master gardener. It's a class that can be taken and lasts several weeks.

[@Sandy-_s]

Thank you for the information! I think I have seen trees protected by burlap on M29. Will get some posts this week.

[@trowbridgetina]

Good to see MIgardener today!!! It's cold in Michigan today.

[@lawanacroskey7994]

I have a few fruit trees that are dying. The trunk is still green. Will trimming off the dead branches possibly save them? I am 9a NCFL. They are peach and pear trees. I have an apple and another pear that have leaves now. We did have a few really cold night over the winter (20s). Thanks for any and all advice.

[@cqammaz53]

Where can I buy some burlap?

[@sisterinspeed]

We have crazy wind, I just found one of my apple trees snapped off at the graft :(

[@Just-Nikki]

sisterinspeed oh no! It ripped the plastic clean off 2 of my hoop houses here in Missouri!

[@kathleennorton6108]

My crabapple tree looked very bad, maybe pests, because many of the branches were dead or dying. I was concerned that it wasn't going to make enough energy with its few leaves. I put quite a lot of sugar in buckets of water and nourished the tree all around its base with the sugar water. I said a prayer for the tree as it has great sentimental value to me. Soon the tree bounced back. I was happily surprised, as it had looked very bad. I think the sugar gave it enough energy to overcome its problems.

[@daisiesandroses5107]

Companion planting? Like garlic planted around the tree?

[@rheaadams1437]

Hi, My fruit trees is in the pot--is it okay if I will take it inside the garage during winter? And can I spray with neem oil before I take in. Thanks

[@juligrlee556]

Is it possible for spring high water levels on top of deep frozen soil with tons of rain creating lots of excess water for the roots to be drowned for lack of good drainage?

[@kathleenosullivan8601]

Happy New Year, Luke & family! 🎉🥳🎉 A lot of the info you covered in this video sounds like it could apply to all trees, not just fruit trees. Is that true? I ask because I planted 2 new trees last Spring. Thx!

[@jacel2011]

do you need to water your peach, pear and apple plants in winter

[@woodsofthewoods]

We have small yard in michigan.what is best fruit treeto atrract birds?

[@carolparrish194]

I started a apricot tree from seed and it is about one foot tall. I put it out in the summer but brought it inside for the winter. Should I have left it outside? Since it was small I thought it would not survived the winter. I was told that it needs to get acclimated to out climate to survive the winters. What should I do?

[@SuperManning11]

Happy New Year, Luke! And to your family! It looks so cold there. I wanted to share with you that I planted a winter crop of tomatoes after a great back and forth in the comment section of one of your videos and I'm just about to harvest the first one in a day or so. So thanks to you and whomever it was commenting that gave me the motivation to try a little winter garden. Carrots are also doing fine, as is parsley and a few leaks. Who knew?! Stay warm!

[@PopleBackyardFarm]

I have planted a plum tree two times in the same spot and each time it dies. I have another one a few feet away that is thriving and looks beautiful . I asked about it and someone said it could be a dead spot in the ground. Do you have any thoughts on this?

[@marieroche1404]

This guy is very good.

[@vlanza1999]

Weird question, my pink lady apple tree had vigorous growth in it's third year, now the leaves have NOT dropped (all my other trees have.) Should I be concerned, it's 45 day/30s night zone 7.

[@barbaragall5395]

Hi Luke...I know you have always mentioned trifecta plus as your fertilizer...but what is that and where do you get it?

[@earthisflat]

In regards to grafted Meyer lemon trees I have mine in a container in my apartment but I've noticed the roots seem to have surfaced above the soil I try to add more soil so those roots stay under but they keep popping above the soil any suggestions on what I should do?

[@daisiesandroses5107]

There are a some recipes for homemade dormant tree spray. I'm thinking of trying that right now. Hopefully that works, and my cat doesn't scratch my trees too much. 😬

[@raymondhalliday8942]

Hi Luke, the old timer here asking a question. With your columnar apple trees in the wine barrel you planted, did you put any soil amendments in the soil? Thanks.

[@PetalsonthePavingSlabs]

As ever, I learned loads watching this (and all your videos) so thank you very much. I hope 2020 has great things in store for you!

[@juliereis146]

What are your thoughts about trying to plant up trees in extremely large containers. I’m working with a “master” gardener who wants to create a potted “forest” around a parking lot raised garden farm. There are so many issues with the statement that I just made but I would like your input about the trees. Some non fruit trees some fruit by the way.

[@prettyparadoxicalwoman8285]

Can you use a white plastic garbage bag to stop the frost bite?

[@heterodox3487]

Would foil be a good idea? The rabbits and voles girdled the bark last winter.

[@user-pf1mr2qm8f]

First Comment :)))) Great video!

[@willdwyer6782]

I've had fruit trees killed by rabbits over the winter. They couldn't get to the grass under the snow, so they decided to girdle the bark on my trees instead.

[@TheBusyGardener]

Argh! You may consider painting with something like IV Organic's paint. Or provide some sort of alternate food near (but not in) your orchard.

[@MookieCards]

I had a security camera catch a rabbit griddle a honey crisp tree in 10 minutes killing it. I now cage around my fruit trees to protect it.

[@wendykury5906]

We notice extreme difference in foliage on our trees near utility lines.

[@cadenrolland5250]

For better or worse?

[@bootangy]

can i plant trees indoors?

[@flatsville1]

MIGardner - What dormant oil do you use?

[@lyndabuchholz1216]

I remember seeing a spray that works to protect the trees from the wind drying them out. Will this work on all trees? I think the wind is what kills my trees.

[@TheBusyGardener]

I'm not aware of wind drying (nontropical) trees out, unless it's accompanied by high heat like in summer.

[@lyndabuchholz1216]

@@TheBusyGardener Here I have open plains and freezing winds most of the winter and it dries me out. I am not sure if that affects the trees but I would think it can't hurt. Well I hope it can't hurt. I don't have the spray so can't try it out.

[@giselleburningham3204]

No captions!! I need this to hear you!!!

[@earthisflat]

I bought my Meyer lemon tree indoors for the winter it flowered and produced a couple small lemons but has dropped one or two fruit could this be a nutrient deficiency? (I water every 2 days )

[@gtaguy105]

Hey, I have a Meyer lemon, 2 key lime, and two orange trees. I find if they are not getting enough sunlight they tend to drop fruit. My windows do not have enough daylight for over winter fruit.

[@TheBusyGardener]

You may also be overwatering. Citrus prefers to dry out between deep waterings. Could also be nutrient deficiency or lack of sunlight.

[@dtbristol]

Let me guess, because it gets too cold?

[@elizabethv9467]

I wish I was as smart as you.

[@Sg4809]

@@elizabethv9467 🤣🤣🤣

[@samjpipitone6458]

You are so knowledgeable

[@patkonelectric]

For #3. Heavy mulch around the tree.

[@donaldbienko5241]

Good videos man..Just as joke..I was gonna say..The key to growing healthy trees in Michigan is to move to Tennessee...hahah...nah but I did have alot of success growing veggies and berries and Peach trees in Michigan...but I fucked up alot also..I planted my veggies almost early ever year..One year I planted early and it stayed warm..I had a two week jump start..I was booming that year..Two rounds of Tomatoes..which is insane

[@makeandeatgummyleeches5975]

No chance of that happenin’ in my area!What gets em’ though is the strong heat in the summer!

[@xxpowwowbluexx]

“Spring” begins in the Fall...

[@dellapeachey9591]

"HAPPY NEW YEAR" from Iowa. :) :)

[@xxpowwowbluexx]

You should check out Advancing Eco Agriculture if you’re having these types of issues, particularly pests and disease. Healthy trees don’t have these issues.

[@Amanda-kw1vi]

My persimmon died, I was so sad. Still mad about it.

[@cherylmarkwardt1042]

When do you spray your dominate oil? I'm in zone 6.

[@kemohere]

What are you targeting?

[@cherylmarkwardt1042]

Over wintering pest.

[@kemohere]

Well its best to understand what pest so you can have better luck. Knowing if eggs have been laid or where the pest might be. You can apply anytime. While plant is dormant. Just do it when it will be able to dry before it freezes. So not in freezing conditions. Not while raining but i find a wet tree will help evenly coat the bark. Also its a dormant oil.

[@cherylmarkwardt1042]

@@kemohere thats always been the problem here, finding a day when its above freezing at night and not raining.

[@kemohere]

As long as you have a couple hours to dry you should be fine.

[@MrBlackdragan]

I wonder if the tree ended up surviving 😮😢

[@gafairbanks2434]

Number 1 reason could be... Mother Nature is taking out everything that is GMO. NOTICED THIS 5to7 years ago in Michigan anyway. My sweet cherry tree turned into huge delicious peaches ! And yes I know of grafting.

[@donaldbienko5241]

Love the accent too A:)

[@dienovandale4299]

T'is winterkill young fella .😱