How To Wrap Shrubs For Winter

If you live in a cold climate, knowing how to wrap shrubs for winter is a key gardening skill. This essential cold weather protection can mean the difference between a shrub thriving or struggling come spring. Winter brings more than just snow; it brings drying winds, freezing temperatures, and damaging ice that can harm vulnerable plants. Wrapping your shrubs acts like a cozy blanket, shielding them from these harsh conditions.

Not every plant in your yard needs this attention. The goal is to focus your efforts on those that truly benefit. This includes young or newly planted shrubs, broadleaf evergreens, and species known to be tender in your area. By taking a few simple steps in late fall, you give your garden a head start for the next growing season.

This process is straightforward when you have the right materials and timing. The core idea is to create a protective barrier without harming the plant. Let’s break down what you’ll need and when to get started.

When to Wrap Your Shrubs

Timing is everything. Wrap too early, and you risk trapping moisture or encouraging pests. Wrap too late, and the cold may have already caused damage.

The best time is after the first hard frost, when the plant is fully dormant.
The soil should be cold but not yet frozen solid.
This is typically in late fall, before the heaviest snows and coldest winds arrive.
Aim for a dry, calm day to make the job easier.

Materials You Will Need

Gathering supplies ahead of time makes the job smooth. You have several good options for wrapping material.

Burlap: The classic choice. It’s breathable, sturdy, and effective at blocking wind.
Shrub Jackets/Commercial Covers: These are pre-made cones or bags, often made from breathable fabric. They’re very convenient.
Stakes: Wooden or metal stakes to support the wrap and keep it from touching the foliage.
Twine or Cloth Ties: For securing the burlap or covers to the stakes.
Insulating Fill (optional): Dry leaves or straw can be used to fill the space inside a wrap for extra insulation.

Avoid using plastic sheeting directly on plants. It doesn’t breath and can lead to overheating on sunny days and promote fungal disease.

Step-by-Step Wrapping Guide

Follow these steps for the best results. The method is slightly different for bushy shrubs versus upright ones.

For Bushy, Rounded Shrubs (like Boxwood or Rhododendron)

Drive three or four stakes into the ground around the shrub, creating a cage just outside its branch spread.
If using leaves or straw, loosely pile it around and over the plant now for insulation.
Wrap burlap around the outside of the stakes, creating a screen. Secure the burlap to the stakes with twine.
Do not pull the burlap tight against the foliage. Air space is crucial.
Leave the top open to allow for light and moisture penetration, unless you are in an area of extremely heavy, wet snow.

For Upright, Columnar Shrubs (like some Arborvitae)

Gently gather the loose branches upward toward the center of the shrub. You can use a soft piece of twine to loosely hold them, but don’t constrict them tightly.
Starting at the bottom, begin wrapping the burlap around the shrub in a spiral, overlapping each layer by about half.
Continue spiraling up to the top. Again, avoid pulling so tight that you distort the plant’s natural shape.
Secure the end of the burlap with a piece of twine or a sturdy clothes pin.

For both methods, ensure the wrap extends down to the soil line to protect the base and root crown. This is often the most vulnerable part.

Special Cases and Additional Protection

Some situations call for a bit more care. Pay close attention to these common scenarios in the garden.

Protecting Rose Bushes

Modern shrub roses are often hardy, but tender varieties and grafted roses need help. After the first frost, mound about 10-12 inches of soil or mulch around the base of the plant to protect the graft union. You can then add a rose cone or burlap cage over the top for extra security against wind.

Shielding from Salt Spray

If your shrubs are near a road or driveway that gets salted, burlap wrapping is especially important. It acts as a physical barrier against salt-laden spray, which can desiccate and burn foliage. Make sure the side facing the road is well covered.

Preventing Snow and Ice Damage

For multi-stemmed shrubs like arborvitae, you can use twine to gently tie branches together. This prevents heavy, wet snow from splaying branches apart and breaking them. Combine this with a burlap screen on the windward side for best effect.

What Not to Do: Common Mistakes

Avoiding errors is just as important as following the right steps. Here are pitfalls to watch out for.

Don’t use plastic directly on foliage. It causes temperature extremes and moisture buildup.
Avoid wrapping too early in fall. Wait for dormancy to prevent rot and rodent issues.
Never wrap too tightly. This can damage branches and restrict essential air flow.
Don’t forget to water in late fall if the soil is dry. Hydrated plants handle winter stress much better.

The Spring Unwrapping Process

Knowing when and how to remove the wrap is critical. The timing can be tricky, as spring weather is often unpredictable.

Begin unwrapping in early to mid-spring, when the threat of severe, hard freezes has passed.
Choose a cloudy, mild day to unwrap. Sudden exposure to bright sun on tender new growth can cause scorching.
Remove the wrap gradually if possible. You might loosen it for a few days before taking it off completely.
Inspect the plant for any winter damage or pest activity as you unwrap it.
Store your burlap, stakes, and ties in a dry place so they are ready for use next year.

FAQ: Your Winter Shrub Protection Questions

Do all shrubs need to be wrapped for winter?

No, many hardy, native shrubs are perfectly adapted to local winters and do not need wrapping. Focus on tender, young, or marginal plants in your climate zone.

What is an alternative to wrapping shrubs?

Applying a thick layer of mulch around the base (3-4 inches) is a great way to protect roots. For foliage, anti-desiccant sprays can be used on broadleaf evergreens to reduce moisture loss, but they often need reapplication after rain.

Can I use old sheets or blankets to cover shrubs?

Fabric sheets can work for a temporary frost cover, but they are not ideal for all winter. They can become heavy when wet and may not provide enough insulation during prolonged cold. Burlap is a more durable and breathable choice.

How do I protect potted shrubs over winter?

Potted shrubs are more vulnerable because their roots are exposed. The best method is to move pots to an unheated garage or shed. If that’s not possible, group them together against a sheltered wall, wrap the pots in bubble wrap or burlap, and cover the top of the plant as you would an in-ground shrub.

Is it to late to wrap my shrubs if I forgot in the fall?

If a sudden deep freeze is forecasted and you haven’t wrapped, it’s still worth doing. Some protection is better than none. Just be gentle with the plant, as branches may be more brittle in the cold.

Mastering how to wrap shrubs for winter is a simple yet impactful part of garden care. It provides that essential cold weather protection your most valued plants need to survive the off-season in good health. With the right timing, materials, and technique, you can prevent winter burn, broken branches, and root damage. Your efforts will be rewarded in spring with healthy, vibrant shrubs ready to grow and flourish. Remember to check your plants regularly and adjust your methods based on your specific garden conditions. Every winter is a little different, and your experience will grow each year you practice these methods.