I have a shamel ash tree that we planted in our backyard 2 summers ago and now we are having a freeze warning and I need help! Last winter when we had the freeze warnings we were able to cover our new tree with blankets to protect it from the frost but now my tree has gotten pretty tall and it's difficult to cover. I heard from someone that you can put christmas lights on a tree and turn them on when there is a freeze warning and it will keep the tree warm enough but I don't know if I believe that will work. Has anybody tried this method with any success? We were able to get the tree covered for now but my husband said he is not going to drag out the ladder for every freeze warning (the inhumane bum) and I'm too afraid to keep the tree covered for too long because I know it needs sunlight. So the blankets will come off in a day or two but I know we'll have a few more freeze warnings over the next couple of months and I don't want to stand by and watch my tree die. Any suggestions on how I can keep my tree alive during the freezing conditions (besides getting a new husband) would be appreciated.
Yes, wrapping the base of the tree w/ XMAS lights, and then again w/ the blankets over that will help dramatically. There's something called a 'Plantket' too which is a cold weather blanket for plants... HD had 'em here in SWFL for sale, I dunno 'bout your locale though... ~LCA.
Don't worry, unless the frost is very severe, the tree won't be harmed. It can tolerate light frosts down to around -3 to -5°C.
The use of CHRISTmas lights for protection against the cold is a common, and often, used practice with citrus tree growers. The lights work very well, especially the larger outdoor lights. - Millet
