Protecting thuja for winter: Essential care tips for gardeners

Thujas, also known as arborvitae, are a popular choice among gardeners. Their evergreen leaves add elegance to gardens year-round. However, preparing thuja for winter is key for these plants to develop properly in the spring.

Winter doesn’t mean completely abandoning thuja care. Despite low temperatures, these plants still need adequate watering. Thuja require watering until the first frosts appear. Even though the temperature drops, the soil around thuja shouldn’t be dry. Watering thuja before winter allows for water storage, which the plants will use during the long, frosty months.

Monitoring soil moisture and watering if necessary, even during winter thaws, can significantly help prevent the so-called physiological drought. This can be particularly dangerous for evergreen shrubs like thuja.

What’s the next step after thoroughly watering thuja at the end of November? Mulching. This method effectively protects the soil and plants from frost and moisture loss, providing them with optimal conditions to survive the cold months.

A "carpet" of natural mulch also helps prevent the growth of weeds that can compete with thuja for nutrients. It’s crucial to clean the area of weeds and fallen leaves beforehand.

A layer of mulch several inches thick should be evenly spread around the thuja, maintaining a distance of about 4 inches from the trunk to prevent rotting. Doing this before the first frosts arrive is recommended while the ground is not yet completely frozen.

Covering thuja for winter is an essential step to protect them from extreme weather conditions. Using agro-textiles or special straw mat covers can create an effective protective barrier against cold winds and sudden temperature drops. These covers should be installed when the first frosts occur, so the plants can still benefit from natural light and warmth.