How to prepare my fruit trees for winter? - Ask Extension
I have different kinds of fruit trees in my garden: apples, pears (Asian and European), cherries, plums, and apricot. This summer I have installed an ...
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How to prepare my fruit trees for winter? #945599
Asked September 22, 2026, 11:01 AM EDT
I have different kinds of fruit trees in my garden: apples, pears (Asian and European), cherries, plums, and apricot. This summer I have installed an irrigation system to provide watering for plants. Now, it has been a huge difference for the plants. However, I heard an opinion that the fruit trees need to be prepared for the winter season by turning off all the watering so that they go into dormancy quicker. Supposedly, if you keep watering them, they continue growth and can be damaged by winter frosts. Is this truly the case?
How can I prepare my trees for go through winter?
Anoka County Minnesota
Expert Response
Fruit trees should continue to get moisture until the ground freezes. If we do not get rain this can be accomplished through slow watering, over about 20-30 minutes, one time a week.
You do not mention the age of your trees. If they are younger you will want to protect the trunks with wrap or plastic trunk protector. If your trees are smaller you may also want to place chicken wire around the tree so rabbits do not eat the small leaves or branches.
You do not mention the age of your trees. If they are younger you will want to protect the trunks with wrap or plastic trunk protector. If your trees are smaller you may also want to place chicken wire around the tree so rabbits do not eat the small leaves or branches.
