Dicksonia Antarctica/tree fern winter protection plans

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Arlon Tishmarsh
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Re: Dicksonia Antarctica/tree fern winter protection plans

Post by Arlon Tishmarsh »

Mick, if u got no fronds on your Dicksonia antarctica (not sure if u have) then u could just put some bin liners / polythene bags over the top of the Dicksonia antarctica , obviously the loft insulation underneath. I use the roofing membrane only coz i have it here already and because it's breathable i.e it doesn't sweat and therefore keeps the insulation dry.

Never know mate, u may get a mild one icon_thumleft

doubt it tho :lol:
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Mick C
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Re: Dicksonia Antarctica/tree fern winter protection plans

Post by Mick C »

The big one has only a few fronds, a smaller one planted this year has plenty. With both though I'll probably fold them all in around the crowns, even in a mild winter all fronds are brown by the spring and have to be chopped off.

You never know, we might get a mild one (no neither do I :lol: )
kracker

Re: Dicksonia Antarctica/tree fern winter protection plans

Post by kracker »

Just been to sainsburys and they are selling for a pound each table or bbq cover measures about 1.2 m x 900 ish thats whats going over mine ....
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The Codfather
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Re: Dicksonia Antarctica/tree fern winter protection plans

Post by The Codfather »

they have water proof parasol covers in the pound shops....
AKA - Martin

Wish list - Big Palms or Dicksonia antarctica's but open to anything really.....Cash Waiting !
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Arlon Tishmarsh
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Re: Dicksonia Antarctica/tree fern winter protection plans

Post by Arlon Tishmarsh »

The Codfather wrote:they have water proof parasol covers in the pound shops....
How much are they :lol:
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The Codfather
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Re: Dicksonia Antarctica/tree fern winter protection plans

Post by The Codfather »

The same price as an axe and a sledge hammer icon_rambo
AKA - Martin

Wish list - Big Palms or Dicksonia antarctica's but open to anything really.....Cash Waiting !
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Dave Brown
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Re: Dicksonia Antarctica/tree fern winter protection plans

Post by Dave Brown »

Tom2006 wrote:
Yorkshire Kris wrote:
Tom2006 wrote:I'm not sure why this or the Trachycarpus thread have not been well received oh well.
icon_salut icon_scratch icon_scratch
both have comments saying search for other previous threads. Point made and taken. A shame because after the last two winters a one stop thread for what people ARE going to do could be very useful indeed.
The problem appears to be, that these topics are in the Main forum so will disappear off everyone's radar within a day of no-one posting on it. A one stop topic that most won't find as they don't search, seems a bit of a waste. This type of topic will get replied to over time, and the main forum is just too fast moving, that is why the reference forums were started.

If very experienced people come on here once an week, I doubt they will go through 10 pages of topics on the main forum to see if there was something on tree ferns. If we all start using the reference forums for the more specialist discussions. Maybe we will get more experienced people contributing. :wink:

I have not done it but I think digging up is a bad idea, as the root system is extensive, and butchering a struggling Dicksonia antarctica will probably finish it off. I will do the same as the snow did for me last year. weigh the fronds down forming a cosy igloo, trapping ground heat around the trunk. Even a 6 ft trunk can be done if the insulating material is big enough. I'm currently looking at 4m wide fleece. :wink:
Best regards
Dave
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Roll on summer.....
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glovemeister

Re: Dicksonia Antarctica/tree fern winter protection plans

Post by glovemeister »

Is nobody using the water tank insulation jackets discussed earlier this year then? Warm and waterproof for about a tenner i believe! :DD
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Mick C
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Re: Dicksonia Antarctica/tree fern winter protection plans

Post by Mick C »

Dave Brown wrote: I have not done it but I think digging up is a bad idea, as the root system is extensive, and butchering a struggling Dicksonia antarctica will probably finish it off.
I would agree with the sentiment Dave but the root system on mine is far from extensive, there does not seem to be a lot to butcher. It is currently propped up with a small plank to stop it from falling over (it started leaning a few weeks ago)

Digging up will be a last resort, but the bottom line is I can't see it surviving another winter like the last one.
sanatic1234

Re: Dicksonia Antarctica/tree fern winter protection plans

Post by sanatic1234 »

I was thinking about about putting a empty tonne gravel bag over each of my Dicksonia antarctica's to keep snow/ice/frost off the crown, and wrapping yes wrapping the trunk up at the bottom if the gravel bags don't cover the full length of the trunk. :-)
Tom2006
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Re: Dicksonia Antarctica/tree fern winter protection plans

Post by Tom2006 »

I'd forgotten about the water tank covers! Has anyone got a,link to a good place to buy?
Most wanted list - Any Young Trachycarpus and/or fern.
Panama Pete

Re: Dicksonia Antarctica/tree fern winter protection plans

Post by Panama Pete »

I wouldnt panic too much out there, a bit of hay should sort it Tom this winter. Just get some bubble wrap at the ready to sling if it gets really cold at night.
Tom2006
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Re: Dicksonia Antarctica/tree fern winter protection plans

Post by Tom2006 »

I like your optimism. They will be in my heated polyhouse if the temps get below -5C. Not risking losing anymore.
Most wanted list - Any Young Trachycarpus and/or fern.
glovemeister

Re: Dicksonia Antarctica/tree fern winter protection plans

Post by glovemeister »

Tom2006 wrote:I'd forgotten about the water tank covers! Has anyone got a,link to a good place to buy?
This should be cheap enough Tom icon_thumleft

http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/nav.jsp?a ... =281597820
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