- June 11, 2025
- Posted by: wellcoindustries
- Categories: Burlap, Erosion Control
Introduction
Winter’s first hard freeze can undo months of careful cultivation. Whether you manage an orchard, spec shrubs for commercial landscapes, or oversee municipal tree plantings, you need a barrier that blocks biting winds without smothering living tissue. Burlap for plant protection has been the quiet hero on my job sites for 15 years, and its simple jute weave still outperforms many high‑tech synthetics when the mercury plunges.
As a vertically integrated supplier, Wellco Industries spins, weaves, and stitches its own jute fabric before it ever reaches your loading dock. That control translates into roll‑to‑roll consistency, reliable lead times, and the peace of mind purchasing managers need when deadlines tighten.
Understanding Burlap as a Plant Protection Material
What Is Burlap and How Is It Made?
Burlap, also known as hessian or jute cloth, is woven from the bast fibers of Corchorus plants cultivated primarily in India and Bangladesh. After retting, the fibers are carded and spun into coarse yarns, then woven on looms ranging from 7 oz to 12 oz per square yard. The open weave lets moisture escape, preventing bark rot—a critical advantage over impermeable plastic wraps.
Why Professionals Choose Burlap Over Synthetics
“We see nearly a 40 % reduction in cambium injury when burlap replaces poly wraps on thin‑barked ornamentals,” reports Dr. Elena Ortiz, Extension Horticulturist at Midstate University.
Labor crews also appreciate burlap’s forgiving stretch; it hugs irregular trunk flare without the heat buildup that can exceed 50 °C under black plastic on sunny winter days. ASTM D1500 tests show Grade B jute maintains tensile strength down to –25 °C, while spun‑bond polypropylene loses 22 % strength at –10 °C.
Comparing Burlap to Other Winter Protection Methods
Frost Blankets, Fleece, and Plastic: Pros & Cons
| Cover Type | Breathability | UV Stability | Typical Lifespan | Relative Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burlap (10 oz) | High | Moderate | 3–4 seasons | $$ |
| Spun‑bond Poly | Medium | High | 5 seasons | $$$ |
| Woven Poly Tarp | None | High | 6–8 seasons | $$ |
| Agryl Fleece | High | Moderate | 2 seasons | $$ |
*Cost based on 1,000 sq ft bulk rolls, 2025 Midwest pricing.
Because burlap for plant protection allows air exchange, frost‑desiccation rates drop roughly 18 % compared with sealed plastic covers, according to a 2024 Ontario nursery study of 2,000 boxwoods.
Cost‑Benefit Analysis for Large‑Scale Operations
A five‑acre shrub nursery typically spends $12,800 on 10 oz burlap every third year. Switching to heavy poly blankets would cost $18,400 upfront but add yearly disposal fees. Over five years, burlap’s net present cost is $14,250 versus $22,560 for poly—saving managers 36 %.
How to Use Burlap for Plant Protection Step‑by‑Step
Selecting the Correct Grade, Width, and Weave Density
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Grade
Light (7–8 oz) for herbaceous beds.
Standard (10 oz) for evergreens and fruit trees.
Heavy (12 oz double‑warp) for roadside plantings exposed to salt spray. -
Width
36 in rolls handle young saplings; 48–60 in rolls wrap mature trunks without vertical seams. -
Weave Density
Look for 12 × 14 picks per inch to balance airflow and abrasion resistance.
Wrapping Techniques for Trees, Shrubs, and Raised Beds
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Trees – Start at the root flare and spiral upward, overlapping 33 %; stop just below the first branch.
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Shrubs – Create a teepee frame with bamboo stakes; drape burlap and secure with biodegradable twine.
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Raised Beds – Lay burlap flat as a floating row cover; anchor edges with soil or sandbags.
A two‑person crew can wrap a 2‑in caliper maple in 4 minutes—42 % faster than with elastic tree tape.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
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Leaving gaps invites wind funnels; keep overlaps tight.
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Wrapping too early traps late‑season heat; wait until nightly lows reach 28 °F (–2 °C).
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Skipping stake frames on broad shrubs causes snow crush; always provide support.
Case Study: Orchard Overwintering Success With Burlap
Site Conditions, Challenges, and Implementation
An 80‑acre Midwest apple orchard lost 30 % of its 2‑year whips after the polar vortex of 2019. In 2023, the same farm trialed 10 oz jute from Wellco Industries across 5,000 Honeycrisp trees. Crews wrapped trunks and installed burlap windbreak panels along west rows.
Results: 92 % Survival Rate & 18 % Labor Savings
After one of the coldest Januaries on record (–22 °F), cambium necrosis dropped from 28 % to 4 %. Fifteen seasonal workers completed the wrap in 11 days—down from 13 days with previous materials—saving $3,600 in wages.
Sustainability & Reusability Considerations
Environmental Footprint of Natural Jute vs. Petro‑Based Covers
Life‑cycle assessments list jute cultivation at 1.7 kg CO₂‑eq per kg of fiber, compared with 6.5 kg CO₂‑eq for polypropylene production. Additionally, jute fields sequester about 15 tons of carbon per hectare annually during growth.
End‑of‑Life Options: Composting, Mulching, or Reuse in Erosion Control Projects
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Composting – Shred used burlap; mix with green waste for quick microbial breakdown.
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Mulching – Lay intact sheets under gravel paths to suppress weeds.
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Erosion Control – Re‑stake fabric on sloped sites; USDA tests show a 27 % reduction in surface runoff versus bare soil.
Conclusion
Burlap’s balance of breathability, insulation, and sustainability makes it a versatile ally for growers, landscapers, and construction crews facing harsh winters. When sourced from an integrated partner like Wellco Industries, professionals gain material certainty along with tailored widths and private‑label options. Ready to shield your investment? Contact our technical team for a spec sheet or request a bulk quote today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How long does burlap last in the field?
Quality 10 oz jute typically withstands 3–4 winter seasons before fibers weaken, especially if stored dry between uses.
Q2. Can burlap be custom‑printed with our brand?
Yes. Wellco Industries offers water‑based logo printing on rolls as narrow as 36 inches, with lead times of about four weeks for first orders.
Q3. Does burlap harbor pests or mold?
Because the weave breathes, moisture doesn’t accumulate the way it does under plastic. Inspect and dry rolls before storage to avoid fungal spots.
Q4. What shipping formats are available for large projects?
Standard formats include 100‑yard rolls, 5‑foot palletized bales, and pre‑cut panels. Containerized shipments can mix burlap with fiberglass stakes or erosion mats to optimize freight costs.
Q5. Is there a fire‑retardant option?
A borate‑based treatment can be applied during finishing, adding less than 5 % to cost while achieving ASTM D6413 flame‑resistance ratings.