Garden Q&A: What's the best way to protect trees and shrubs from frost?

Whether you're a gardening beginner or expert, Irish Examiner columnist Peter Dowdall has the answer to your questions 

Protect trees and shrubs from frost. File picture

Question

I planted a lot of new trees and shrubs this summer. Do I need to protect them from frost, and what’s the best way?

Answer

Most trees and shrubs you planted this summer will be perfectly fine through the frost, so don’t panic. Young plants are tougher than we give them credit for.

The main thing is to make sure the soil around them isn’t waterlogged,  cold, saturated ground does far more damage than a nip of frost ever will. 

If drainage is poor, gently fork the surface to loosen it and let excess moisture escape. A good layer of mulch will also help regulate soil temperature and protect the roots. 

For anything a bit tender, throw a layer of horticultural fleece over them during very cold spells. 

It’s simple, cheap, and works wonders. Failing that, even some newspaper or straw over tender pants will help to protect them from low temperatures. 

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