Hi All,

LONG VERSION (for those who like to read):  Last week I was looking through Craigslist for some 55 gallon barrels.  Barrels were ideal since they provided protection from the wind (and cold), but could be removed easily.  Most of those listed were $20+.  There was a listing for some at $4, but they were located about 60 miles away and I was only going to be able to get 6 in the truck anyway.  So I didn't call.  On Friday I found myself needing to run an errand not too far away from these barrels.  I couldn't get a hold of the guy who was selling them, but I took the truck anyway.  All day I couldn't get reach him.  I was about to head back home when he finally answered the phone.  He told me only had 3 or 4 left.  I was discouraged, but I decided to go pick them up.  It was at a place where they make Mexican sauces and such.  They got their tomatoes in them.  When I got there he showed me the barrels.  Behind them were some other barrels.  I asked him about them.  He said "Oh, those are different barrels that no one else wants."  But they were exactly what I was looking for.  Instead of the normal 55 gallon barrels with straight sides which can't be nested, these are tapered and can be stacked within each other.  They are also taller than the usual barrels.  I asked him how much he wanted for them.  He said if I took them all I could have them for $2/each.  I bought all 21 along with lids and rings.  I covered my trees with them, but didn't have time to lug all of the cinder blocks to the field.  Fortunately they are heavy enough to stand up to 20ish mph winds without toppling.

SHORT VERSION (for those who don't): I found these 55 gallon barrels.  They are taller than the regular 55 gallon barrels and are tapered so they can be stacked inside of each other.  I have a picture of the label of where they originated.  I would think most canning / food production companies would have similar barrels.

~james

Great score James!

James, looks like you found a deal. My question is, being I'm from the deep south also, do you plan on leaving the trees covered all the time or are you going to remove them on days and nights above freezing. I'm sure that your weather isn't too much colder than mine and I would think that on those nice winter days when the temps stay above freezing those barrels could heat up the tree to well above outside temps. Another thing is the humidity and moisture build up if they're not vented. I did something similar to a few of my trees last year but only when the temps were gonna be close to freezing.
"gene"

Gene,

My motivation to use barrels is how easily they can be put on and taken off.  I did not want a permanent winter cover.  We have two weeks of 80 degree weather between cold spells.  More importantly, I am in an area without any windbreaks.  The closest development to the south is about 20 miles away.  There really isn't anything to the north of us for quite a while.  The wind constantly blows hard (Sustained winds tonight are predicted to be ~18mph) which I think does the tops of my trees in more than the temps.  This year, some of my trees have already sustained damage due to the weather.

As to humidity build up, I'm a bit worried about that.  We've had about 3" of rain since Saturday.  I covered the trees wet.  I will leave them on until Weds afternoon / Thurs morning.  We'll see how they work then.  I'll leave them close by until the next cold spell.

~james

James, great to hear that. Your plan makes sense. I cover my young trees like wise during freezes and cold winds.
"gene"

James,
Looks like you found a good deal. I really like these barrels. I'm assuming they are plastic -?

We have several Mexican restaraunts around us but not sure if we have a Salsa plant nearby or not :/ . Sounds like Craigslist did the trick for ya though. I'll have to check around to see what I might find.

They are metal barrels.  Since they contained tomatoes, the metal has a coating on the inside.  Perhaps you can call the canning company to find out if there are any companies in your are who buys their product.

~james

That's a thought. I may give it a try. Thanks for the suggestion James.

that is great. How did it work out? Are you still using these barrels? 

Hi Grasa,

I did not get these last year until we had already had two freezes along with dry wind.  The green parts had already been damaged and I was hoping the barrels would prevent any further damage.  I think I was too late.  I am planning using the barrels I have (plus get a few more) this year, and hopefully will have them ready before any damage occurs.  One issue I have, is several trees are too tall for the barrels. 

~james

James

Why not make them permanent. Cut some small air holes and you should be good to go all winter long. Am I missing something as to why they can't be permanent winter protection?

Slingha,

I am in central Texas.  We go from a days of cold/cool weather followed by weeks of 80F weather.  If I kept them covered, they would cook.  This is what makes the barrels so appealing to me.  I can install all of them in about 15 minutes and remove them just as quickly.  I am looking for a similar solution for some of the bigger trees.

Seems like a great option if the trees are not too big.  

I think I might try attaching "legs" to the drums then use bags of mulch to block the wind at the bottom.