Young macadamia trees are susceptible to frost damage. Symptoms of frost damage are:
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leaves will turn brown and wilt
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the stem can pop much like a burst waterpipe
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flowers will die in spring frosts
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macadamia nut development can be halted and flavour affected with autumn frosts.
To mitigate this damage you could:
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wrap the stem of the young macadamia plant in aluminium builders insulating paper up to a height of around 40cm, or the first branch. The paper with a tar centre-layer is stronger and thicker and gives better protection than the cheaper paper.
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erect 4 posts around each macadamia tree, and wrap the structure in cloth such as windbreak cloth.
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cover the roof of the protective structure with quality frost cloth.
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spray around the base of each macadamia seedling to maintain bare earth. This helps absorb maximum solar energy during the day.
