In The Deep Midwinter………

Trees mid winter….

We don't really think about trees hibernating but they have adapted an extraordinary array of tactics to survive the hard times of winter. Sub-zero temperatures are perhaps the most challenging condition they have to face at this time of year with possible drought in the summer.

Many animals hibernate or migrate to get through winter. This is exactly what trees do as well. Of course trees can’t fatten themselves up like a bear would but they can use the energy from the summer sun to make sugar & other compounds they can store and hold in reserve.

There are a range of strategies trees employ according to their species and those that are fully deciduous shed their leaves, but evergreens will reduce the moisture in the leaves or have needle like leaves that are very low in moisture and produce a kind of antifreeze. This is important as frozen water ruptures the cells and the leaves would be killed. We can experience this problem in our gardens when we grow tender trees and shrubs that come from warmer climes and have not developed wintering strategies. We have to help them by protecting their foliage from frost and keeping them warm & dry.

As our native trees go dormant for the winter that is the time we can work on them to get them ready for next year. In the orchard apples and pears can be pruned, hedges can be cut back without disturbing nesting birds and any damaged or diseased limbs can be removed from trees. Look carefully and you will see that some trees have already formed the buds that will be next year’s leaves.

The nooks and crannies in the bark will provide ideal places for insects to hibernate and the fruit, berries, nuts and seeds on the trees will help to keep our birds going through winter.

If you would like to help us look after the orchard or help us with our projects around the village please do get in touch: 

secretary@ycv.org.uk