Ok what now. My first winter. Trachy pics inside.

[brandonppr]

I planted these in June. I am in Middle TN just south of Nashville.
What temp do I need to start protecting them?
Its supposed to get to 26F tonight which is the coldest so far. It has only gotten to 33F so far.
What do you suggest I do to protect them?
What can I expect to happen over the winter? Will the fronds stay green?
Am I supposed to trim anything?
The patio slants toward them. Should I put something to keep the water going into the area they are planted? Like maybe a 1x4 all the way along the edge of the patio to direct water to the end?

One more question. I have noticed a few of them have kinda bent or curled since this pic. Is this normal? They seem to be ok, but the trunk is now curved more.


Thanks for the help in advance.

[lucky1]

Hi Brandon,

Many here will say Trachies don't need protection at 26F.
Since they've only recently been planted, and presumably, it'll get colder (soon) you'll have to plan more substantial protection for that bed.

Until you decide on, say, an insulated box that spans the entire bed, or heat tape/leaf cages, I'd recommend temporary cold protection by pounding 2x2s into the bed at the 4 corners, and suspending a tarp over it...maybe with a 5th pole in the middle to keep it from caving in if you get snow. Just throw some big rocks on Tarp edges to hold it in place.

What lowest temps do you get in winter? for how long?
That will determine how much protection you need.

Shedding patio water to the end is probably a good idea.
Palms overwinter better if they stay dry but that refers to foliage so the spear area doesn't freeze.

a few of them have kinda bent or curled since this pic. Is this normal?

Bent/curled trunks doesn't sound normal.
Maybe take a new photo so we can see.

Barb

[hardyjim]

1.Mulch them 3-5"
2.yes,do block them from getting any more water,salt over winter.
3.You probably don't need to protect until temps are below 20F
at night and not over 40F during the day.
4.You will need to make something to protect them,hopefully
something that is easy to pop open on warm days but can
easily be closed and is well insulated.
There are lots of ideas on this forum as to how to do that.
5.Make sure whatever you build in sturdy enough to take winter winds.
Building one enclosure is easier but will cost more to heat.
Be aware of moisture buildup in there over winter,constant moisture
and even light freezes of 25F can be worse than temps 5-15F.


Keep in mind that this is a yearly process so,if you can make
something you can add on to that would be helpful long term.

[sashaeffer]

With such a solid base parimiter I would think it would be really easy to build a long wood structure for a mini greenhouse.

Greenhouse panels can be bought in 4x8 sections at Menard's. so could use/reuse those each year if protection build in sections that can be made to easily attach and take down in the spring.

[Cameron_z6a_N.S.]

Some info has been given here so far. I would stress the importance of not letting the cold runoff water get into the soil, because this would do the most damage.

[tlcivi]

Nice. Two things you don't want. The roots to freeze or for it to get much water. Mulch it deep And cover to stay dry. I'm in indy. I use a 100 w bulb for heat ,built a box out of insulation panels.

My pigmy date palm already needs coverage from the frost. I'm going to push it to 25 or coverfrom frost with a box

[sashaeffer]

I have read though of members that used heat tape, and never supplied water and lost palms due to thirst. Just cooked the moisture out of them.

They make wireless soil temp probes that might help.