Natural protective mechanisms of deciduous trees
Deciduous trees usually have green foliage, which turns yellow or reddish in autumn and eventually falls off. But why is that even so? Autumn leaves are a protective mechanism of the tree, because the leaves have to be supplied with water and nutrients. If they remained on the tree during the winter months with little light, the tree would not be able to supply them with sufficient moisture and would gradually dry up. Instead, he just throws them off and goes into hibernation. The autumn color is explained by the decreasing photosynthesis: as long as this is in full swing, the leaves remain green due to the chlorophyll. If the light intensity decreases, the proportion of green dye also decreases until it is finally shifted by yellow and red color tones.
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Other natural protective measures:
- However, the fallen leaves have another function: They cover the root area of the tree and therefore protect it from the cold.
- Since twigs and branches cannot simply be thrown off, the tree is wrapped in an insulating layer of wood. This consists of the water-bearing Cambrian, which is covered by the dry bark.
However, not all deciduous trees shed their leaves in autumn, some are evergreen. They have developed other protective mechanisms against the cold. The same goes for most conifers, with the exception of the European larch.
How you can support trees in winter
Basically, you should only plant trees in the garden that are sufficiently hardy. This applies to all native species, but also many imported, hardy deciduous and coniferous trees are suitable. More sensitive species, on the other hand, should only be planted in appropriately protected locations or cultivated in a pot straight away. You can also use hardy trees in winter through this measures support:
- In the fall, cut back the crowns. However, this only works with some deciduous trees.
- Conifers, on the other hand, are not pruned.
- Spread the fallen leaves evenly on the Tree grate.
- Mulching You this possibly.
- Trimmed vices are very suitable as winter protection.
- Fruit trees in particular are given a lime coating.
- This is sometimes also useful for other deciduous trees in very sunny locations.
Unless you have your trees fertilize, you should stop fertilizing by the end of July at the latest so that young shoots still have a chance to mature.
Tips
Hardy Trees in the pot can usually overwinter outside, but you should wrap the pot with an insulating fleece and cover the substrate with a thick layer of mulch and spruce or fir branches. The potted tree should be watered on frost-free days so that it does not dry out.
