Topic:
Landscape MaintenanceWhen the last of the leaves have been raked, the lawn aerated, and the final layer of mulch laid, many homeowners consider their late fall landscape tasks complete.
However, there is one crucial yet often overlooked step in this seasonal preparation: Wrapping trees for winter protection.
Why do trees need to be wrapped during the winter months? There are several reasons.
Harsh winter sun, biting wind and bitter cold temperatures can do considerable damage to the trees in your yard.
Under these winter conditions, unwrapped trees may experience injured or dead bark, branches, flower buds or root systems. In addition, wildlife may feed on the tree trunk or other parts of the tree, thanks to winter food shortages. Vulnerable trees also can be susceptible to sunscald, frost crack and salt damage.
All of this is especially true for newly planted trees and thin-barked trees, for which these risks are even greater.
Specific types of trees commonly found in Massachusetts that can benefit from tree wrapping to prevent winter damage include:
There are several other types of trees that may need additional tree protection, such as:
The practice of winter tree wrapping is a tree care method that not only preserves the beauty of your landscape, but also promotes long-term tree health.
There are multiple types of materials you can use for protecting trees. For our clients, we recommend using burlap and twine. Burlap has many benefits, such as its breathability that allows air and moisture to flow through to the tree, insulating properties and environmental friendliness. It also has aesthetic appeal with a natural look that fits right into your landscape.
To wrap a tree in preparation for winter, you should first inspect it for any existing damage and signs of disease or pests. These issues should be addressed before you begin wrapping the tree. You also should remove dead branches and debris.
Begin wrapping at the bottom of the tree and work your way upward, making sure that all areas of the tree are covered. It is recommended that you complete this process twice for trees located in areas with harsh winter temperatures, such as our own here in Massachusetts.
Before securing the burlap wrap, carefully position any leaves or branches of the plant to avoid breakage. The last step is to tie the burlap. Wrap a piece of twine long enough to reach fully around the burlap, but loosely enough so as to not crush the plant. Secure and tie the twine.
When early spring arrives, you can remove the tree wrap after the last frost has passed and the temperature has warmed to approximately 40 degrees during the daytime.
If you have sensitive or young trees, you can remove the wraps gradually over a period of a few days to acclimate themselves to the increased light and air exposure. In addition, if the tree appears to have become damp or moldy under the wrap, it may be possible to remove the wrap earlier on a warm and dry day to allow the bark to breathe.
By taking the time to wrap your trees properly, you’re investing in the future beauty and strength of your landscape. When spring arrives, your trees will thank you with their vibrant growth and resilience, standing tall as a testament to your care during the winter months.
To avoid the risk of their trees falling victim to the freezing winter temperatures of Massachusetts, many homeowners work with a professional landscape like Moodscapes to complete a winter protection plan. Our team can work with you to identify the trees in your landscape that are most in need of wrapping, and complete the wrapping process to ensure it is done properly.
For more information about the ideal landscape maintenance for your personal landscape, download our free ebook, How to Maintain Your Landscape and Transform It Into a Beauty You’ll Love. You also can contact us here to schedule a complementary consultation with our team.