How to Overwinter Tree Ferns
- 1). Measure around the trunk of the tree and then add 6 to 7 inches to determine the size of chicken wire needed. The extra inches will help it fit around the tree after covering it with straw. Cut a piece of chicken wire the size you had determined. Cut another piece if you need it taller. You need it to cover the height of the fern. Pile straw on top of the tree fern crown.
- 2). Fold the fronds of the tree over the crown and then form the chicken wire into a cage around the tree fern. If you needed another piece, use the wire snips to weave the two pieces together at the ends. Stuff the inner area around the trunk with straw, until it is covered.
- 3). Cover the entire construction with a blanket or large piece of burlap when temperatures are severe. Many people use plastic but the plant can't breath and might mildew. You can tie it down with some twine or just drape it if snow will be holding it in place.
- 4). Remove the blanket when temperatures are not freezing. The plant will still need to collect sunlight when it can and the weight is not good for the crown. Watch the weather forecast and you can easily put it back on again when needed.
- 5). Remove the whole construction in spring when freezing temperatures are done. The fronds will look terrible, so you can just prune them off. Be careful, new fronds will be growing and you do not want to damage them. Give the plant 2 inches of manure around the base for fertilizer and it should regrow beautifully.
