How to Protect Okame Cherry Trees from Freezing

Plant the Okame cherry tree in a sunny location on the highest ground possible, such as a hilltop or hillside. Selecting an area higher than surrounding terrain allows cold air to fall past the trees, affecting lower ground. If the tree is already planted in the ground, do not attempt to move it.

Wrap the tree’s trunk in plastic tree guard before the cold season begins. This helps prevent the tree from sustaining frost damage and keeps it from blossoming early. Remove the plastic tree guard when the danger of frost has passed.

Drape a tent of plastic sheeting over the tree. Use enough plastic to be sure the sheet drapes to the ground completely. The plastic sheeting traps warm air that rises from the soil and prevents heat from escaping the tent. Remove the plastic sheeting tent during the warmest part of the day to allow your tree to breathe.

Place a patio heater under the tent of plastic sheeting, next to the tree. Turn it on for one hour before the coldest time of day. To prevent fires, keep an eye on the heater while it's in use. Turn the heater off and leave it beneath the tent of plastic so its radiating heat continues to warm the tree.