Late winter protection

It isn’t too late to secure your garden, says Ruth

- Ruth Hayes

STORM Arwen, which swept through the UK causing misery and devastation late last November, gave us a nasty taster of what this winter may hold

If you haven’t already weatherproofed your plot, now is a good time to do so and check over any precautions already in place.

Young and newly planted trees should be staked and tied. Bare root plantings only need one stake that should be set on the side of the prevailing wind so that the tree is blown away from its support in a gale.

Container-grown trees may need two or three stakes set around and attached to the trunk by strong ties.

Have a look at vines and wall climbers and secure any limbs that are waving around. This will prevent them from being damaged (and causing damage) in high winds and, as we discovered the hard way, stop them tripping motion-sensor security lights through the night.