Preparing for Winter for trees/shrubs

[visualk]

I'm looking for advice on how to prepare my trees (they are columnar poplar) and my shrubs (mint junipers) for the winter. I had just planted them this spring (in May). I read that we may be getting frost this weekend and thought I would get on this to ensure they survive this winter. One person I was talking to suggested I wrap them in burlap to keep them insulated for the winter and have a steel stake beside the trees to have them supported in high winds. Thoughts?

[AndyL]

Burlap is generally only for trees that would struggle in our zone.

Usual answer is deep root fertilizer treatment, (most arborists and nutrilawn/greendrop can do this) make sure they're watered in really well before the ground freezes.

Stake/supports would depend on how well they're rooted. We've had some serious wind and storms this year - look for soil shifting around the rootballs.

[suntan]

Water, water, water. Nothing is as important as watering. We still have weeks until a truly extended hard frost so water.

0-10-10 for fertilizer if you wish but I find spring fertilization to be best.