I planted this Mauritius lychee tree last Feb. it was the only variety I could find at the time and it was marked down so I decided to try growing Lychee one more time ( I lost 2 beautiful ones 2 years ago). One of the things that lycheesonline mentions is how important windbreak is for the newly planted and young tree, so I built this not so attractive but functional enclosure. With March around the corner which seems to be a pretty windy month for me. Its grown nicely in the 12 months I've had it. Now if I can just keep mean old Jack frost away...I'd be thrilled!
Here's a quote from lycheesonline about the importance of of a wind break if planted in an open area...
" No Wind:
Perhaps the single greatest enemy of developing lychee trees is wind. When a lychee puts out new growth these new leaves are very tender and delicate. Even a moderate amount of wind (> 15mph) will damage these new branches and leaves. Lychee trees that are well protected from the wind will grow extraordinarily well.
When a tree flushes with new growth it is utilizing stored energy, in the form of sugars, starches and electrolytes, from the tree. If this new growth is destroyed or damaged when the tree is relatively small there is little reserve left to regenerate further replacement growth. A small tree planted in a wind-exposed field may experience severe growth retardation by a factor of several years." http://www.lycheesonline.com/Growing_Best_Practices.cfmTaken right after planting Feb. 2011
I had to enlarge the area a little...it has outgrown its space. You can see its growing nicely. I also lightly "pugged" the top and did some tipping. It was getting too tall and lanky. I threw the cuttings on top for mulch. Which reminds me I also have to get more mulch to add to the top of the soil.
Enclosure complete...double layer Burlap and shade cloth on the back side...NOT the best looking but its functional,lol...
Lets a LOT of sunlight in but should shelter the newly formed leaves hopefully.