U.C. extension ofers advice for gardeners
Call it the perfect reason to put off doing yard work.
The unseasonably cold temperatures blanketing San Benito County
in January resulted in frost-damage to many subtropical and
sensitive plants. The advice from U.C. Cooperative Extension
horticulture adviser Ed Perry is to do nothing.
U.C. extension ofers advice for gardeners
Call it the perfect reason to put off doing yard work.
The unseasonably cold temperatures blanketing San Benito County in January resulted in frost-damage to many subtropical and sensitive plants. The advice from U.C. Cooperative Extension horticulture adviser Ed Perry is to do nothing.
Gardeners should wait until spring before pruning or removing damaged trees and plants.
Frost injury to plants depends on a number of factors. Even plants that appear dead may have life within them, Perry said. It is unusual for mature trees to be killed by frost in this area.
“While you may be tempted to prune out damaged branches right away, it’s best to wait until spring when new growth will show you the extent of the injury,” said Perry. “Always allow plenty of time for new growth to take place, so that the damage is clearly defined. Earlier pruning often results in leaving some limbs which might continue to die back, and removal of limbs which might recover.”
If a young citrus tree has been killed almost to the ground, it’s important to determine whether the dead wood extends below the bud union – the bulge low on the trunk indicating where the tree was grafted to its rootstock. That job is best left until April or later.
“If only the roots survive and grow back, you may be left with an unproductive rootstock instead of the true-to-type citrus tree you originally planted. In this case, the tree should be replaced,” Perry said. “If there is enough live wood above the bud union to grow a strong shoot, a new trunk will develop.”
Trees that have been defoliated may benefit from a coat of paint, intended to protect sensitive bark.
“Often the most severe damage following a freeze results from sunburn of exposed twigs and branches after defoliation,” according to citrus adviser Ben Faber. “If a tree has been defoliated, paint or spray on water-diluted white latex paint to protect the bark from the sun.”
Frost-damaged fruit should be picked as soon as possible, because the fruit breaks down quickly.
Severely damaged citrus should be fertilized sparingly, if at all, and should be watered with care until recovery is under way.
