Burlap-Wrapped Evergreens: A Simple Guide to Winterizing

As the winter chill sets in, protecting your evergreen plants becomes a priority. One effective and aesthetically pleasing method is to wrap them in burlap. This not only insulates your plants but also adds a rustic charm to your garden. Let's delve into the process of wrapping evergreens in burlap for winter.

Burlap, a coarse fabric made from jute fibers, is an excellent insulator due to its breathable nature. It allows air and moisture to pass through while providing a barrier against harsh winds and freezing temperatures. Moreover, it's affordable and widely available, making it a practical choice for winter plant protection.

Preparing Your Evergreens

Before you start wrapping, ensure your evergreens are healthy and free from diseases. Prune any dead or dying branches to prevent further decay and to make the wrapping process easier.

Next, consider the size of your plants. Smaller plants and shrubs can be completely wrapped, while larger trees may require wrapping only the lower trunk area, where the roots are most vulnerable.

Gathering Your Materials

You'll need the following materials for this task:

• Burlap sacks or rolls
• Scissors or a sharp knife for cutting
• Twine or garden tape for securing the burlap
• Optional: A staple gun for extra security

Measuring and Cutting the Burlap

Measure the height and circumference of the area you want to wrap. For smaller plants, you might need one or two burlap sacks, while larger trees may require several rolls of burlap.

Cut the burlap to size, ensuring there's enough overlap to secure it in place. For smaller plants, you can use the entire sack, while for larger trees, you'll need to cut the roll into strips.

Wrapping Your Evergreens

Now that you have your materials ready, it's time to start wrapping your evergreens.

For smaller plants and shrubs:

1. Start at the base of the plant and wrap the burlap around it, pulling it taut but not so tight that it damages the plant.
2. Secure the burlap with twine or garden tape, ensuring there are no gaps that could let in cold air.
3. Continue wrapping and securing until the entire plant is covered, leaving the top exposed for air circulation.

Wrapping Larger Trees

For larger trees, follow these steps:

1. Start at the base of the trunk and wrap the burlap around it, securing it with twine or tape.
2. Wrap the burlap up the trunk, overlapping the previous layer by a few inches to ensure complete coverage. Continue this process until you've covered the desired height.
3. Secure the top of the burlap with twine or tape, ensuring it's not too tight and won't restrict the tree's growth in the spring.

Finishing Touches

Once you've wrapped your evergreens, take a step back and assess your work. Ensure there are no gaps that could let in cold air, and that the burlap is secure and won't blow away in strong winds.

For an extra layer of protection, you can also mist your wrapped plants with an anti-desiccant spray. This helps to prevent moisture loss and protects the plant's foliage from winter damage.

As the snow begins to fall, you can rest easy knowing your evergreens are well-protected. With a little effort and some burlap, you've not only insulated your plants but also added a touch of rustic charm to your winter garden. Happy wrapping!