Midwest winters are unpredictable, bringing everything from biting winds to heavy snow and intense sun that reflects off ice. These extreme conditions can challenge even the hardiest of evergreens, those reliable staples of year-round landscaping. While evergreens are known for their resilience and beauty, they aren’t immune to winter damage. Proper care is critical to ensure they remain healthy, vibrant, and ready to thrive when spring arrives.
One of the best methods to protect evergreens during Midwest winters is burlap wrapping. Burlap isn’t just cost-effective; it’s an eco-friendly way to safeguard your landscape from the season’s toughest conditions. But what makes burlap so effective, and how can it be used to shield your plants? Let’s explore how burlap can make a difference in preserving your winter landscape.
Why Winter Protection Matters for Evergreens
Evergreens are a vital part of many Midwest landscapes, providing structure, privacy, and greenery even in the depths of winter. But despite their name, evergreens are not immune to winter stress. Here are some common threats they face during the colder months:
- Windburn: The dry, freezing winds of winter strip moisture from evergreen needles, leaving them brown and brittle.
- Sun Scorch: Bright winter sunlight can reflect off snow and ice, burning the needles and causing unsightly discoloration.
- Salt Damage: Road salt and de-icing chemicals can harm evergreens, especially those planted near driveways, sidewalks, or roads.
- Heavy Snow and Ice: Accumulations can weigh down branches, leading to bending, breakage, and long-term structural damage.
Even the toughest species of evergreens can struggle to recover from this kind of damage without intervention. That’s why winter protection is a crucial step in your landscaping routine, and burlap wrapping is one of the most reliable solutions.
The Benefits of Burlap Wrapping for Winter Protection
Burlap has been used for generations to protect plants during winter, and for good reason. Here’s why it’s a must-have tool for Midwest landscaping:
- Prevents Windburn: Burlap acts as a shield against drying winds, helping evergreens retain moisture in their needles.
- Protects from Sun Scorch: It reduces exposure to harmful UV rays while allowing enough light and air circulation to keep plants healthy.
- Minimizes Snow and Ice Damage: Burlap provides support, preventing branches from breaking under the weight of heavy snowfall.
- Eco-Friendly Solution: Burlap is biodegradable and reusable, making it an environmentally responsible choice for plant protection.
By using burlap, you’re not just protecting your evergreens—you’re also maintaining the beauty and integrity of your entire winter landscape.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Protect Your Evergreens with Burlap
To get the most out of burlap, it’s important to apply it correctly. Follow these steps to ensure your evergreens are well-prepared for winter:
1. Time it Right
Start wrapping your evergreens in late fall, after the first frost but before heavy snow or freezing temperatures set in. Wrapping too early can trap heat and moisture, potentially causing mold or premature growth.
2. Choose High-Quality Burlap
Not all burlap is created equal. Select a durable, breathable material that can withstand the Midwest’s harsh winter conditions.
3. Wrap Carefully
- Begin at the base of the plant and wrap upwards, loosely securing the burlap with twine or zip ties.
- Avoid wrapping too tightly, as this can restrict airflow and damage the plant.
- Ensure the entire plant is covered, especially areas exposed to wind and sun.
4. Create a Burlap Screen for Larger Plants
For larger shrubs or trees, construct a windbreak by attaching burlap to wooden stakes placed around the plant. This method is especially useful for protecting sprawling branches or delicate species.
5. Inspect Throughout Winter
Check your burlap wraps periodically to ensure they remain secure and intact. Repair any tears or adjust coverage as needed to keep your evergreens protected.
Which Midwest Evergreens Benefit Most from Burlap?
While burlap wrapping can benefit almost any evergreen, these species are particularly vulnerable to winter stress and thrive with added protection:
- Boxwoods: Prone to browning from wind and salt exposure.
- Arborvitae: Soft branches often bend or snap under heavy snow.
- Yews: Susceptible to winter burn and sun damage.
- Young Spruces and Pines: Newly planted trees lack the established root systems needed to withstand winter stress.
Taking the time to protect these plants ensures they’ll remain a strong and beautiful part of your landscape for years to come.
Additional Tips for Winter Evergreen Care
Burlap is a fantastic tool, but it’s not the only way to care for your evergreens during Midwest winters. Here are some complementary strategies to ensure your landscape thrives:
- Water Before the Freeze: Hydrate your evergreens deeply before the ground freezes to help them retain moisture.
- Mulch for Insulation: Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base to insulate roots and regulate soil temperature.
- Prune in Late Fall: Remove damaged or diseased branches before wrapping to reduce stress on the plant.
- Avoid Salt Exposure: Use pet- and plant-safe alternatives to de-icing salts near evergreens.
Should You DIY or Call the Pros?
While burlap wrapping might seem like a simple DIY task, doing it incorrectly can cause more harm than good. Common mistakes include wrapping too tightly, using unsuitable materials, or failing to account for proper airflow and drainage.
Professional landscaping services take the guesswork out of winter plant care. From assessing your specific landscape needs to expertly wrapping your evergreens, professionals ensure your plants are well-protected while saving you time and effort.
Preserve Your Winter Landscape with Smart Evergreen Care
Protecting your evergreens is essential to maintaining a healthy and beautiful landscape throughout the winter. With the right techniques, including burlap wrapping, you can shield your plants from the harsh Midwest climate and ensure they thrive when spring rolls around.
Whether you choose to tackle the task yourself or call in the experts, proactive care is the best way to invest in the health and longevity of your evergreens. So, wrap up your plants, mulch those roots, and watch your Midwest landscape flourish—even in the coldest months.