What dangers await thuja in winter?
. Adult specimens do not require covering with agrotextile. In the case of thuja, the greatest threat at this time of year is physiological drought. This is a specific phenomenon that occurs when frost occurs. Physiological drought occurs when plants are unable to absorb water from the ground due to frost. Freezing temperatures make the ground too hard for plants to absorb water. Then they lose the moisture stored in the shoots and begin to wither. Physiological drought is a slow process and its effects are most often noticeable only in spring. Gardeners indicate that symptoms of physiological drought appear in March or April, when the plant comes to life. The most common symptom is dull and gray shoots. In the following days, the thujas begin to turn brown and break.
Do this to your thujas in December and they won’t start dying in the spring
Preventing physiological drought focuses on two treatments. The first one is mulching. It protects the plant’s roots and helps retain moisture in the soil. In December, before the worst frosts come, make a small mound around the roots of the thuja. It should be about 30 cm high and 50 cm in diameter. To mulch thuja, you can use ground branches, leaves or peat mixed with cones. Remove the mounds only in early spring. , thanks to which the thujas will quickly receive the dose of nutrients they need.
Another important measure to counteract physiological drought is watering. should also be watered in winter. Experts indicate that thujas need to be watered throughout the winter and it is best to do it during the thaw. The previously prepared mound will keep moisture in the ground and the plant will be able to absorb it freely. Do winter watering in the afternoon so that the water does not freeze during night frosts. Avoid using cold water, which can damage the delicate roots of the thuja.
Mulching and regular watering of thuja throughout the winter will effectively reduce the risk of physiological drought. Remember that gardening does not stop in winter, and plants need to be cared for all year round.
