Winter Protection for Landscape Trees in Clyde

As winter approaches in Clyde, Michigan, it's time for homeowners to consider protecting their trees from the harsh elements. Wrapping trees for winter is a key step in maintaining the health and longevity of your landscape plants, especially for young or thin-barked trees and for small evergreen trees and shrubs. 

In Clyde's climate, young and thin-barked trees are susceptible to sunscald, a condition where bark tissue is damaged due to rapid temperature fluctuations. This is particularly common on sunny winter days when the bark warms up, only to quickly cool down again in the evening. Often this type of winter injury occurs on the Southwest side of the tree. 

To prevent sunscald, wrap the trunks of vulnerable trees with plastic tree guards or commercial tree wrap. For newly planted trees or those with thin bark, like maples, sycamores, and lindens, wrap the trunk from the base up to the lowest branches. This protection should be applied in the fall before severe low temperatures arrive. 

Evergreens require a different approach. If you have arborvitae, Alberta spruce, or other evergreens that are weak, exposed to heavy wind, near a road, or newly planted, consider wrapping them with burlap. This not only protects against wind burn and road salt spray but may also deter deer from feeding on them. 

To wrap an evergreen with burlap:
1. Loosely wrap burlap around the entire tree, from the lowest branches to slightly above the highest peak.
2. Secure the burlap with twine at the top, middle, and bottom

Remember to remove tree wraps and burlap wrapping in early spring to prevent insect infestations and allow for proper growth. By taking these precautions, you'll help ensure your trees survive Clyde’s winter and thrive in the coming spring.