In my very own neighborhood—proper within the coronary heart of Arizona’s citrus hall—I’ve watched too many stunning citrus timber meet a tragic destiny. They’re pruned too harshly, their bark left totally uncovered, after which the summer season warmth units in. With out safety, the bark sunburns, begins to peel or cut up, branches die again, and ultimately, the tree dies. Then it’s minimize down and hauled away. It’s so irritating to look at it occur, particularly as a result of it’s preventable. Studying the best way to defend citrus bark from sunburn is among the easiest, handiest methods to assist your tree survive.
We are able to’t management how others prune their citrus timber, however we are able to defend our personal.
What we’ll cowl:
Why Citrus Bark Wants Safety
Citrus timber weren’t meant to seem like lollipops. That’s some of the widespread citrus errors—over-pruning and exposing the trunk. Citrus naturally grows like a dense bush, and the decrease cover acts like a pure sunscreen for the bark. However once we “skirt” the tree or prune too aggressively, the trunk is left weak.
The issue? Citrus bark is very prone to sunburn, particularly in sizzling, dry climates like Arizona. Sunburned bark can peel or cut up—resulting in long-term harm, illness, and bug issues. As soon as the bark is gone, the tree can’t transport vitamins successfully, and that usually marks the start of the tip.
So in case your citrus bark is uncovered, it’s worthwhile to cowl it.
Shield Citrus Bark from Sunburn
There are two easy and efficient methods to guard citrus bark:
1. Use Tree Wrap
That is my private favourite. I like to consider citrus wrap like a swim shirt to your tree. (As a mother of 5 youngsters swimming by means of Arizona summers, I at all times reached for the swim shirts—they lined extra and guarded higher.)
That is my private favourite. I like to consider citrus wrap like a swim shirt to your tree—offering full protection and safety from harsh solar. Search for a breathable, stretchable citrus tree wrap that permits air circulate whereas shielding bark from direct daylight. That is the one I exploit on Amazon.
The wrap naturally expands because the tree grows, so it gained’t harm the trunk or prohibit circulation. That flexibility is essential.
In my Arizona backyard, I often want to interchange the wrap each 2–3 years. The extraordinary solar causes it to interrupt down and disintegrate over time. You’ll be able to peel off the outdated wrap if it’s splitting and falling aside, or just wrap it excessive of it. Both means, holding it up to date is an easy step that makes a giant distinction in stopping citrus bark peeling, cracking, and sunburn.
2. Paint Citrus Bark
When you choose a faster methodology, use a water-based, light-colored paint (specifically formulated for citrus or any latex inside white paint diluted 1:1 with water). It displays daylight and acts as a sunscreen to forestall sunscald. Simply you’ll want to use water-based paint solely—by no means oil-based. That is the one I exploit on Amazon.
Aspect Word: Overlaying citrus bark by portray or wrapping is a good backyard job for older youngsters or youngsters. It usually made it onto my very own youngsters’ Saturday chore checklist! It’s easy, essential, and offers them an opportunity to contribute to the well being of the backyard. An entrepreneurial baby may even provide to color bark for neighbors, particularly in areas with a number of citrus timber.
In search of extra concepts to get youngsters concerned within the backyard? Try my submit on gardening with youngsters.
Bonus tip: Cowl bark earlier than summer season warmth intensifies. And at all times examine your timber after pruning or in early spring to see if wrap or paint must be reapplied.
When Ought to You Cowl Citrus Bark?
Learn this information for extra tips about the best way to get your backyard prepared for summer season.
Whereas You’re at It… Verify the Label
Whilst you’re checking the citrus wrap or bark paint, it’s additionally a good time to examine your tree label. Has it pale or fallen off? Does it should be moved to a bigger department because the tree grows? Maintaining your fruit timber labeled makes it simple to recollect what selection you planted, particularly if you’re monitoring ripening occasions or planning for harvests.
I like to make use of these sturdy aluminum labels from Amazon that maintain up effectively within the Arizona solar. Study extra about how and why to label your timber on this submit: Label Fruit Bushes.
Keep a Wholesome Cover
Among the finest methods to keep away from sunburn within the first place? Don’t over-prune. Keep a full, wholesome cover that shades the trunk naturally. Citrus doesn’t should be “cleaned up”. Bear in mind, it’s extra of a shrub than a tree in construction. Learn extra in my fruit tree pruning information.
Closing ideas
Defending your citrus tree’s bark by portray the bark or wrapping it would look like a small step, however it’s a vital one, particularly in sizzling climates. Whether or not you utilize tree wrap or citrus paint, it’s a fast and simple means to assist your tree survive and thrive by means of the summer season. Don’t skip it!
