Wrapping Shrubs in Burlap: When It Helps and Timing by Zone
The short answer
Wrapping shrubs in burlap can help young or exposed evergreens through winter by blocking drying wind, harsh sun and road salt spray. A screen on stakes around the plant often works better than wrapping tightly. Set stakes before the ground freezes, add burlap in late fall and remove it in spring. Watering well in fall matters too.
Not every shrub needs it, so it pays to know which ones do.
Why do evergreens need winter help?
Evergreens hold their leaves or needles all winter. On sunny, windy days, those leaves lose water. When the ground is frozen, roots can’t replace it. The result is winter burn: brown, dry foliage that shows up in late winter or spring.
The University of Minnesota Extension article on shielding trees and shrubs in winter explains that new transplants and plants with soft, late season growth are most at risk. Plants near roads face salt spray.
| Situation | Burlap helpful? | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Newly planted evergreen | Often | Late fall to early spring |
| Exposed windy site | Often | Late fall to early spring |
| Near a salted road | Yes, screen on road side | Before salting starts |
| Established, sheltered shrub | Rarely needed | None |
| Deciduous shrub | Not for wind, maybe for salt | Late fall |
| Colder regions | More often | Stakes before the ground freezes, burlap in late fall |
| Milder regions | Less often | As needed |
Sources: University of Minnesota Extension, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Michigan State University Extension.
Is a screen better than a tight wrap?
Usually, yes. Wrapping burlap tightly around a shrub can trap moisture, bend branches and block light. A screen of burlap stapled to stakes a few inches from the plant blocks wind and sun while letting air move.
The Michigan State University Extension article on building a better windscreen for your evergreens recommends setting stakes on the windward and sunny sides, usually south and west. Leave the top open. Avoid plastic, which traps heat and moisture.
Our post on windbreaks for outdoor cannabis explains how screens slow wind without blocking it fully.
When should you put burlap up?
Drive stakes before the ground freezes. Add burlap in late fall, after plants go dormant but before the harshest weather.
The Iowa State University Extension and Outreach guide to shielding trees and shrubs in winter stresses fall watering. Water evergreens deeply until the ground freezes so they enter winter fully hydrated. Mulch over the roots helps hold that moisture.
Remove burlap in early spring once harsh wind and deep freezes end. Leaving it too long can shade new growth.
What if a shrub is in a sheltered spot?
Many established shrubs in sheltered places never need burlap, so location matters. Our post on garden microclimates for cannabis explains how walls, slopes and buildings change wind and sun exposure.
If a plant browns every winter, a screen may help, but if it never does, skip it. Our post on frost damage on cannabis describes how cold damage looks on soft plant tissue.
How to: step by step
- Identify young, exposed or salt prone evergreens.
- Water deeply through fall until the ground freezes.
- Drive stakes on the south, west and road sides before freezing.
- Staple burlap to the stakes, a few inches from the plant.
- Leave the top open for air and light.
- Remove burlap in early spring.
Troubleshooting
Brown needles in spring. Winter burn. Screen the windward side next year.
Branches bent after a wrap. It was too tight. Use a screen.
Mold under burlap. Too little airflow. Leave space and an open top.
Salt browning on the road side. Screen that side before salting starts.
Stakes refuse to go in. Ground froze. Set them earlier next fall.
A burlap screen is a simple way to shield vulnerable evergreens. Kind Seed Co shares more seasonal tips in outdoor growing.
Sources
- Protecting trees and shrubs in winter, UMN Extension, Protecting trees and shrubs in winter
- Protecting trees and shrubs in winter, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, Protecting trees and shrubs in winter
- Build a better windscreen for your evergreens this winter, Michigan State University Extension, Build a better windscreen for your evergreens this winter
FAQ
Does every shrub need burlap?
No. Mainly young, exposed or salt prone evergreens.
Is wrapping or screening better?
A screen on stakes usually works better.
When should burlap go up?
In late fall, after plants go dormant.
When should it come off?
In early spring once harsh weather ends.
Can I use plastic?
No. It traps heat and moisture.
