Depending on local climate conditions, the cherry trees may require winter protection if temperatures are persistently frosty. Cherry trees planted outdoors are naturally less at risk than columnar or dwarf cherries that are kept in pots.
How to protect a cherry tree in winter?
Cherry trees can be protected from frost in winter by placing them in climatically advantageous locations when planting new plants, protecting young trees from severe frost and placing columnar or dwarf cherries in pots on house walls or overwintering in unheated rooms.
The local sour and sweet cherry varieties are generally hardy, with the sour cherry having the greatest frost resistance of all fruit trees. However, in some locations, cherry trees planted outdoors may require winter protection. Especially the young trees newly planted in autumn should be protected from freezing in very harsh winters without snow cover.
Winter protection depending on climate and location
When planting new plants, you should not only pay attention to the variety's sensitivity to frost, but also take into account the climatic conditions of the future location. Temperature fluctuations, which are often found on eastern and southern slopes, have a particularly detrimental effect on cherry trees growing outdoors. The northern slopes are cooler, but have more balanced temperatures.
The flat terrain experiences higher and lower temperatures than average in hill country, but the fluctuations are gradual. The proximity of larger bodies of water, which also have a temperature-balancing effect and largely prevent late frosts, has a positive influence on the cultivation of cherry trees.
Overwintering balcony and terrace cherry trees
The columnar or dwarf cherries that are kept in pots on the balcony or terrace must be protected from persistent frost temperatures. You should place the pots as close to the house wall as possible and wrap them and the trees with straw mats (€37.00 on Amazon), garden fleece or bubble wrap, not forgetting the bottom of the pot. Overwintering can also take place in an unheated room such as a garage, shed or arbor. It is important that you occasionally give the wrapped cherry tree some water when temperatures are milder.
Tips & Tricks
With old cherry trees, the trunk and strong branches should be painted with a lime solution before the onset of winter to protect against frost damage.
