How to Protect Trees and Plants for Winter

Wrapping, Mulching and More

Winter can be tough on gardens in Southwestern Ontario, where freezing temperatures, wind, and snow can damage trees and tender plants. Here’s how to wrap trees, protect perennials, and prep sensitive plants like roses to keep them safe and healthy through the colder months.

Wrapping Trees in Burlap: A Step-by-Step Guide

Certain trees, especially evergreens and young trees, are vulnerable to harsh winter winds, bright winter sun, and fluctuating temperatures that can cause bark splitting and leaf burn. Wrapping trees in burlap or similar materials provides a protective barrier.

  1. Choose the Right Material: Burlap is the most popular wrapping material because it’s breathable and biodegradable. Avoid using plastic, as it can trap moisture and lead to fungal growth.
  2. How to Wrap:
    • Start at the Base: Wrap the burlap around the base of the tree trunk, making sure it’s snug but not too tight.
    • Work Your Way Up: Spiral the burlap up the trunk and over the lower branches, overlapping each layer slightly.
    • Cover the Canopy if Needed: For smaller evergreens, you may cover the entire canopy by wrapping around the branches and securing at the top.
    • Secure the Burlap: Use garden twine, zip ties, or natural jute to fasten the burlap. Attach it snugly but avoid damaging the bark by pulling too tight.
  3. Alternative Methods:
    • Windbreak Structures: For more delicate trees, you can set up wooden stakes around the tree, then attach burlap to the stakes, creating a windbreak rather than wrapping directly around the tree.

Trees to Consider Wrapping

  • Evergreens: Young cedars, pines, and arborvitae benefit greatly from burlap wrapping to prevent winter burn.
  • Young Deciduous Trees: Newly planted trees or those with thin bark, like Japanese maples and fruit trees, are prone to sunscald, where warm sun causes bark to heat up and then split when the temperature drops.
  • Ornamentals: Special or decorative trees that are less hardy, like magnolias and Japanese maples, also benefit from protection.

Protecting Tender Perennials and Shrubs

For tender perennials or shrubs that may not survive the cold without help, here are some practical techniques to keep them warm and protected.

  1. Mulching for Warmth:
    • Apply Mulch Around Roots: A thick, 4-6 inch layer of organic mulch (like straw, shredded leaves, or pine needles) around the base of perennials helps insulate roots and prevents frost heave.
    • Cover Sensitive Roots: For extra protection, especially on exposed plants or on slopes, spread mulch outward from the crown, forming a layer around the drip line of the plant.
  2. Wrap Sensitive Shrubs: Smaller shrubs can also be wrapped, following the same burlap technique used for trees. This is especially helpful for hydrangeas, rhododendrons, and boxwoods.

Prepping Roses for Winter

Roses, especially hybrid teas, need extra protection to withstand harsh winter conditions. Here’s how to give them a fighting chance:

  1. Prune Lightly: Prune your roses back to about 18-24 inches to prevent the wind from whipping the canes and causing damage. However, save heavy pruning for spring.
  2. Add Mulch: Mound soil, mulch, or compost around the base of the rose bush, covering the lower canes to about 10-12 inches. This layer acts as insulation, keeping roots and lower stems warmer.
  3. Wrap with Burlap: For extra protection, wrap the rose canes loosely with burlap and secure them with twine. Alternatively, you can create a small cage around the rose using chicken wire, then fill it with leaves or straw for insulation.
  4. Consider a Styrofoam Rose Cone: Another option is to use a rose cone for added insulation. Make sure to open a few holes at the top to allow for airflow and avoid trapping moisture.

Additional Tips for Winterizing Tender Perennials

Plants like lavender, rosemary, and other borderline hardy perennials benefit from a little extra attention as winter approaches.

  1. Apply Mulch Generously: As with roses, cover the base and root area with 4-6 inches of mulch to insulate the roots. Shredded leaves or straw are excellent choices.
  2. Cut Back Gently: Unlike heavy pruning, trim back only dead or weak stems. This slight cutback helps reduce wind damage while leaving enough of the plant structure to support spring growth.
  3. Consider Potted Plants: For very tender plants that struggle in freezing conditions, potting them and bringing them into a protected area (like an unheated garage) may be the best approach.

Winter can be harsh, but with the right preparation, your garden can thrive once the warmer days return. Wrapping trees and shrubs, adding protective mulch, and prepping tender plants all help set your garden up for a successful spring comeback. Happy winterizing!

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