How to Wrap Evergreens for Winter
Evergreens are a very hardy variety of plants that typically do not need much care. However, in harsh conditions and certain situations these trees can benefit from the extra support wrapping provides. While very rarely will an evergreen need to be wrapped tightly around its trunk, wrapping a tree with a loose barrier of chicken wire and burlap can help can help protect it from certain winter elements, such as salt spray or extreme wind. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- 2 to 4 wooden stakes
- Mallet or hammer
- Staple gun
- Chicken wire
- Burlap wrap
Instructions
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1
Determine which side or sides of the evergreen need protection against salt spray or intense winds.
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2
Pound the wooden stakes into the ground using a mallet. Pound the stakes least 6 inches deep and approximately 6 inches away from the evergreen. Use two stakes to construct a wall if the evergreen needs protection from only one direction. Construct a square around the tree using four stakes if the evergreen needs protection from multiple directions.
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3
Staple one end of the chicken wire to a stake using the staple gun.
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4
Wrap the chicken wire around the remaining stakes, pulling it taut. Secure the wire to the final stake with the staple gun.
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5
Fasten one end of the the burlap to a stake using the staple gun.
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6
Wrap the burlap around the stakes and chicken wire, pulling it taut as you wrap. Fasten it to the last stake with the staple gun.
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Tips & Warnings
Construct the evergreen wraps near Halloween, while the ground is not yet frozen, and take down near April Fools Day.
If you notice animals such as mice or moles using your tree wrap as a winter habitat, place a mothball or two at the base of your evergreen.
According to the University of Minnesota Extension, be sure your evergreens receive sufficient water in the summer and fall, or drying and browning may occur regardless of its winter care.
According to Rebecca Seibel-Hunt, ISA Certified Arborist and owner of Majestic Tree Care in Minneapolis, there are very few instances when the trunk of an evergreen needs to be tightly wrapped, and doing this can cause worse damage, such as fungal growth. A barrier is the best method to fight against winter drying, wind damage and salt damage.
