Winter tree care often involves wrapping towering perennials to protect them from harsh elements. Dry winter air combined with frigid temperatures, sun, and wind damages many trees’ flower buds and roots and leaves the bark brittle. Use the following guide to learn more about winter tree wrapping, including the best materials to use.

What Do I Need to Know About Wrapping Trees For Winter?

Trees That Require Wrapping

Wrap newly planted or young trees in winter to protect their thin bark from sunscald. This occurs when direct or reflected sunlight heats tree bark, causing it to become dry, sunken, and cracked. Trees with naturally thin bark also require sunscald protection, such as linden, honey locust, crabapple, plum, maple, cherry, poplar, aspen, and mountain ash.

Wrap recently-pruned trees with more exposed bark, especially if their trunks are subject to sunlight for most of the day. If evergreens are dehydrated and their foliage has bleached in the sun, you can wrap them to prevent further ultraviolet damage.

Material to Use

Never use paper or black plastic for tree care purposes since they conduct and absorb heat. Use commercial tree wraps made of reflective plastic material to prevent heat damage, or opt for light-colored burlap. Polypropylene fabric provides a stretchable option that avoids tree girdling or the blocking of nutrients.

Best Wrapping Method

Wrap applicable trees following the year’s first significant frost, which usually occurs between late October and early November. Start with the bottom of each tree, wrapping it so the trunk is completely covered. The wrap should be tight enough to protect the woody perennial but not so tight that it impedes airflow.

Use duct or packing tape instead of wire, rope, or garden twist ties that can damage the bark. Remove the wrap in early spring when the ground warms to avoid moisture-related damage, such as wood rot and mold growth. 

 

Maintain your trees this winter with assistance from Mike’s Tree Service in Cleves, OH. This tree care company has been in business for over 25 years. They offer stump removal, tree trimming, land clearing, and 24/7 emergency tree removal services to residents throughout northern Kentucky and the greater Cincinnati area. Call (513) 353-0395 to make an appointment, or learn more about the company online.