Wrapping Trees & Shrubs to Protect Them from Winter Harm

As the temperatures plunge and winter sets in many Clarkston landscapes could benefit from a little extra care to ensure that healthy growth continues come spring. One landscape maintenance practice that often gets overlooked is tree trunk wrapping and burlapping. This simple yet effective technique can safeguard your trees and shrubs from harsh winter conditions.
 
Tree trunk wrapping and burlapping involves covering the entire plant or just the trunks of young or vulnerable trees with a protective material, usually burlap or specialized tree wrap. This not only provides insulation against the extreme cold but also protects the bark from damage caused by fluctuating temperatures. When winter days bring warm sunlight followed by freezing nights, the bark can expand and contract, leading to cracking and splitting. Wrapping the trunk of a newly planted tree or thin-barked tree helps to mitigate this risk.
 
In addition to temperature fluctuations, tree trunks can fall victim to sunscald, where the sun’s rays in winter cause cells in the bark to wake up and grow, only to be killed by freezing temperatures overnight. Wrapping of the tree trunks can significantly reduce the occurrence of sunscald and contribute to the overall health of your trees.
 
Moreover, tree trunk wrap serves as a barrier against small animals such as rabbits and deer, which are found almost everywhere in Clarkston, that may gnaw on the bark during the winter months. By providing this physical protection, you can ensure your trees will emerge healthier and stronger when spring arrives.
 
When applying a tree trunk wrap, make sure to start at the base of the tree and wrap upwards, overlapping each layer to ensure complete coverage. It’s important to remove the wrap in early spring to prevent moisture retention, which increased insect activity or decay on the trunk.

Winter protection for evergreen shrubs and other vulnerable plants, like rhododendron, azalea or Japanese maples, involves using burlap to wrap the entire plant. This can prevent damage caused by cold winds, salt spray and wet snows. The burlap is removed in the early spring so normal growth can continue.
 
Tree trunk wrapping and burlapping is a practice that can preserve the health and longevity of your trees and shrubs through the tough winter months Clarkston landscapes endure almost every year. By taking the time to protect your plants now, you're reducing the potential for winter damage that may take years for a plant to recover from.