Burlap Wrap Is An Inexpensive And Easy-To-Install Method Of Winter Tree Care

The return of spring weather means that another growing season has arrived, along with the opportunity to once again enjoy and appreciate its beauty by spending time working in the yard. Unfortunately for some homeowners, their sense of excitement and energy becomes somewhat dampened when they find that the winter weather has damaged a tree or a shrub (perhaps more than one) on their property.

While the wrath of winter’s winds may be both severe and unpredictable, there are steps that homeowners can take to protect and care for many types of trees and shrubs prior to the arrival of such weather. Fundamentally, this involves the use of burlap to wrap a tree or to build a shelter or windbreak.

Many types of trees/shrubs may benefit from this type of winter tree care, including:

• Young or newly-planted trees
• Trees planted in late-season
• Trees in areas regularly subjected to high winds
• Deciduous flowering shrubs
• Evergreen shrubs (junipers, cedars)
• Japanese maples

There are essentially three variations on the use of burlap to provide winter tree care for species that may be at risk to wind burn/damage:

Wrap a tree or shrub

• Remove any dead, diseased, or damaged branches
• Water the tree or shrub thoroughly (before ground has frozen)
• Add a 2- to 3-inch layer of mulch around the base after watering
• Leave a gap of 4-6 inches between the mulch and the trunk
• Wrap burlap around tree or shrub 2-3 times – but not too tightly
• Overlap each turn of the burlap by about six inches
• Secure burlap in place with twine (top, middle, bottom)

Erect a windbreak or screen

• Place wood stakes in ground about 6-12 inches from trees/shrubs
• Space stakes equidistant along the span to be protected/screened
• Ensure stakes have sufficient length to cover the height of the trees
• Extend burlap wrap along the outside of the stakes – staple firmly
• Add a second horizontal layer of burlap for taller trees or shrubs

Build an enclosed shelter

• May be a more effective choice for a single tree versus clusters
• Secure four poles or stakes around tree in a square or rectangle
• Place poles/stakes in ground at least 12 inches from tree or shrub
• Ensure poles/stakes extend high enough to cover height of the trees
• Roll burlap wrap around the perimeter of the stakes and staple firmly
• Add an upper horizontal layer of burlap for a taller tree or shrub
• Do not cap or cover the top of this shelter

Using burlap wrap is an inexpensive and easy-to-install method of winter tree care. If homeowners are uncertain about how to properly use burlap wrap, or unsure about its applicability for a specific type of tree or shrub, they do have the option of contacting a professional tree care service, such as DreamWorks Tree Services, for advice and/or onsite support.

Ask DreamWorks About General Tree Health And Your Winter Tree Care Needs

Winter tree care is one of the many services provided by the team from DreamWorks Tree Services. Our specialists have the knowledge and the expertise to deliver a full range of tree services, including:

• Tree planting or removal
• Stump grinding/removal
• Pruning and trimming
• Cabling and bracing
• Property maintenance
• Lot clearing
• Permit applications

If you have questions about any aspects pertaining to tree health, including winter tree care or use of burlap to protect your trees or shrubs, call the professionals at DreamWorks Tree Services today at 647-924-2627 or 1-800-407-9917 or contact us to book a no-obligation consultation.