In a statement, issued to Kashmir News Service (KNS), director horticulture, Ajaz Ahmad Bhat stressed upon orchardists to clean water channels, drains and to ensure complete drainage from orchards, besides, shake trees gently to remove snow from their branches.

 

The statement reads that orchardist are advised to provide support, staking to trees and limbs which are not strong enough to stand without support. 

 

"Stake newly planted trees to prevent any damage as the newly planted trees take a couple of years to anchor firmly in the soil. If the fruit trees tilt, reduce the canopy load by pruning, and provide proper support. If the trees get partially uprooted, slowly pull back the trees to the original position after heavy pruning and provide proper support/staking to the main trunk to prevent further fall."

 

It reads that if any scaffold branch breaks and bark is still intact, after heavy pruning, bring the branch to the original position by tying with a rope and or bolting or using nails. 

 

"Ensure that the union remains tight and apply Bordeaux Chaubatia paste on the cut surface. If the main trunk splits into two or three parts, it can be treated the same way as above. If roots become exposed or naked, immediately mulch your trees to ensure their roots are insulated from winter cold.

For protected structures such as greenhouses or poly-houses, carefully remove the snow to avoid damage to the structures," it reads. (KNS)