Keeping Your Trees Warm for the Winter

Bulb: potential flower buried in Autumn, never to be seen again.

To Wrap or Not

During the winter season, it is believed that in order for your evergreens to make it through the winter, they must be wrapped in layers of burlap. I'm here to tell you that this is only a myth, and instead, multiple layers of burlap can actually hurt your trees rather than help. However, as in all cases, there are just some exceptions where burlap, or other preventative measures, can help, and I'm here to guide you through the necessities of winter care.

Instances Where Burlap or Other Winter Care is Needed

1. Any newly planted evergreen is prone to "winter-burn" and should be covered in burlap for the winter.

2. If your trees or shrubs are planted close to the road or driveway where they may fall in close proximity to salt spray, they should be covered with at least two layers of burlap.

3. In some instances, such as protecting your mums for the winter, cover the root area of the plants with at least three inches of mulch.

4. Use plastic tree guards to protect the plant from any animal searching for bark to knaw on during the winter. Make sure that the tree guards go higher than the level of snow, seeing as this may pose the problem after a snowstorm.

5. A very popular product, called wilt-proof can be used on any broadleaf evergreen, such as azaleas and rhododendrons. This product ensures the saftey of your plant through the winter months by coating the leaves with a thin layer of wax coating.

Of course, these are just a few things that you may do when prepping your garden for the winter. However, do not stress out if your garden has been feeling a little neglected lately and you don't have time to get out there before the frost. Most of the time, us gardeners tend to let nature take its course. It helps build anticipation for the next season!