How to Burlap Plants for Winter: A Step‑by‑Step Guide

Introduction

Winter can silently erase thousands of dollars in landscape investments. Freezing winds, desiccating sun, and rapid temperature swings pull moisture from leaves and bark faster than roots can replace it. This guide shows how to burlap plants for winter so your crews—or even a weekend gardener—can shield vulnerable shrubs and young trees before the first hard freeze. Drawing on Wellco Industries’ three decades of supplying burlap, fiberglass stakes, and erosion‑control fabrics to growers and contractors worldwide, we’ll map out materials, proven techniques, and cost‑saving tips that translate to fewer plant losses and happier clients.

Understanding Winter Stress on Plants

How Cold, Wind & Sun Scorch Damage Shrubs

The USDA estimates that up to 30 % of unprotected evergreens experience partial die‑back during severe winters. Continuous wind accelerates moisture loss, while low winter sun scorches south‑facing foliage. Experience from northern nursery managers shows that a single polar vortex can wipe out two years of growth.

Why Burlap Is the Gold‑Standard Barrier

“Burlap breathes just enough to let excess moisture escape while blocking most desiccating wind,” notes ISA‑certified arborist Maria Delgado. Plastic tarps trap condensation and overheat on sunny winter days; burlap avoids both hazards.

Which Plants Truly Need Burlapping

• Boxwoods, yews, arborvitae, and other broad‑leaf evergreens

• Newly transplanted ornamentals still building root mass

• Delicate Japanese maples and rhododendrons in Zones 5–7
  Use local hardiness charts and last‑frost data to refine your shortlist.

Materials & Site Preparation

Selecting the Right Grade of Burlap

Look for 7–10 oz woven jute for residential work; commercial hedge rows often specify 10–12 oz for longer exposure. Untreated burlap decomposes naturally; treated burlap resists mold in very wet climates.

Support Frame Options—Wood Stakes vs. FRP Rods

Traditional wooden stakes work, but Wellco Industries’ FRP (fiber‑reinforced plastic) stakes won’t rot or splinter and can be reused for years—an important total‑cost‑of‑ownership (TCO) advantage for large facilities.

Measuring, Cutting & Safety Gear Checklist

1. Measure the plant’s height and circumference, then add 20 % extra length for overlap.

2. Use sharp shears or a hot knife to minimize fraying.

3. Gloves, safety glasses, and knee pads protect workers during repetitive wrapping.

Step‑by‑Step Burlapping Process

Step 1: Install Perimeter Stakes & Cross‑Bracing

Drive stakes 6–8 in outside the drip line. For multi‑stem shrubs, lash horizontal battens or FRP rods around the stakes to create a “burlap cage” that keeps fabric off foliage.

Step 2: Wrap Burlap Top‑Down with Overlaps Facing Prevailing Wind

Start at the highest point and spiral downward, overlapping each course by 6 in. Position fabric seams away from the wind to reduce tearing.

Step 3: Secure & Vent—U‑Pins, Zip Ties, or Jute Twine?

• U‑pins anchor burlap to soil around the base—fast in sandy soils.

• UV‑rated zip ties speed production on large jobs; snip them off in spring.

• Jute twine is 100 % biodegradable for eco‑sensitive sites.

Case study: Anonymized Mid‑Atlantic nursery implemented this three‑stage method and cut frost burn claims by 42 % over two seasons while reducing spring clean‑up labor.

Pro Tips for Professional Results

Timing: Soil Temps & First Frost Forecasts

Begin when soil drops to about 40 °F (4 °C) or two weeks before the region’s average first hard frost, per NOAA climatology. Early wrapping can trap warmth‑loving pests; too late and leaves may already be scorched.

Pre‑Wrap Hydration & Anti‑Desiccant Sprays—Do They Help?

Water deeply 24 hours before wrapping. University trials show that plants entering dormancy at full hydration withstand a ‑10 °F dip an average of 18 % better than dry counterparts. Silicon‑based anti‑desiccant sprays add an extra layer of protection but should never replace burlap.

Mid‑Winter Checks & Emergency Repairs After Ice Storms

Schedule site walks after major weather events. Slice and re‑tie sagging panels; brush off heavy snow to prevent frame collapse.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Wrapping Too Tight—Promotes Mold & Stem Abrasion

Leave a fist‑wide air gap between burlap and foliage. Tight wraps create micro‑greenhouses that foster fungal growth.

Using Poly Tarps Instead of Burlap

Polyethylene is watertight; condensation freezes overnight, then thaws and drips onto plant tissue—creating ice burn. Burlap’s woven structure prevents this cycle.

Leaving Covers On Too Long in Spring—Etiolation Risk

Remove burlap after soil consistently reaches 50 °F (10 °C) or buds swell. Prolonged darkness leads to leggy, pale shoots that break in summer winds.

Cost & Sourcing Insights for Procurement Teams

Estimating Material Quantities per Linear Foot of Hedge

Rule of thumb: 1.5 yd of 48 in‑wide burlap per foot of hedge height including overlaps and stake spacing.

Bulk Rolls vs. Pre‑Cut Panels—TCO Comparison

Leveraging Wellco Industries’ One‑Stop Supply Chain

Wellco ships burlap, FRP stakes, and jute twine from a single warehouse, consolidating freight for contractors who juggle erosion‑control blankets, frost covers, and other seasonal materials. Private‑label options let distributors add their branding without new tooling.

Conclusion

Proper burlapping slashes winter die‑back, preserves curb appeal, and saves re‑plant budgets in spring. Use breathable burlap, sturdy stakes, and timely installation to give sensitive plantings their best chance to thrive. Ready to streamline sourcing? Contact Wellco Industries for a quick quote or to download our free burlap specification sheet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How long does untreated burlap last outdoors?
Untreated burlap typically holds up 4–6 months in winter conditions before starting to degrade, which aligns well with the protective season.

Q2. Can I reuse burlap from last year?
If the fabric shows no tears, mold, or excessive fraying, shake it out, dry it completely, and store in a breathable bag; many contractors reuse quality burlap for two seasons.

Q3. Will burlapping harm plants if the winter is mild?
No. Burlap’s breathability prevents overheating. Simply remove it sooner in spring to let light reach emerging buds.

Q4. Is colored burlap as effective as natural jute?
Dye does not affect protective performance, but bright colors may fade under UV exposure; choose UV‑stable dyes if aesthetics matter.

Q5. Do fiberglass stakes conduct cold into the root zone?
FRP stakes have low thermal conductivity, so they do not transfer significant cold to roots, unlike metal rods.