Burlap, a coarse woven fabric typically made from jute or hemp, serves a significant protective role when applied to young tree trunks. It creates a physical barrier that shields the delicate bark from environmental stresses and physical damage during dormant periods. Proper application can significantly increase a young tree’s chances of survival and healthy development through its first few winters.
Purposes for Wrapping the Tree Trunk
Wrapping a tree trunk primarily addresses the threat of sun scald. This occurs when intense winter sunlight warms the bark on the south or west side of the tree, causing the cambium layer to become active. The tissue then rapidly freezes again after sunset, causing cell damage and vertical cracks. Sun scald is especially damaging to young trees with smooth, thin bark, such as maples and fruit trees.
The physical barrier also deters wildlife from causing harm to the tree’s vascular system. Rodents and deer often feed on the nutrient-rich bark during periods of snow cover and scarce food. This gnawing damage, known as girdling, can interrupt the flow of sugars, potentially killing the tree if the damage encircles the entire trunk. The wrap also offers a modest degree of insulation, helping to stabilize bark temperatures and mitigate the damaging effects of rapid temperature fluctuations.
Essential Supplies and Preparation
Selecting the correct material requires natural fiber burlap that is untreated and breathable to prevent moisture buildup against the bark. Synthetic materials should be avoided as they may trap moisture and heat, creating an ideal environment for fungal growth and decay. For securing the wrap, use natural jute twine or specialized tree tape, which degrades over time and is less likely to cut into the bark.
Before wrapping, ensure the trunk surface is clean and free of loose debris or insects. The best time to apply the burlap is in late fall or early winter, after the tree has entered full dormancy but before deep freezing begins. Preparation also involves clearing the immediate area around the base to prevent the wrap from touching surrounding mulch or soil, reducing the risk of moisture wicking up the trunk.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying Burlap
Begin the wrapping process just above the root flare to cover the most vulnerable lower trunk section. Secure the initial end of the burlap to the trunk using a few horizontal wraps of twine or tape. This creates a firm but loose anchor that will not constrict the bark. The wrap must be snug enough to stay in place, yet loose enough to allow for natural trunk expansion and air circulation beneath the material.
The proper technique involves spiraling the strip of burlap upward, ensuring each subsequent layer significantly overlaps the previous one. An overlap of approximately one-third to one-half the width of the strip is recommended. This eliminates gaps that could expose the bark to sun or pests, and the shingling effect directs moisture downward and away from the trunk.
Continue the spiral motion upward until the wrap reaches the lowest scaffold branches, or the point where the bark texture begins to change. For very young saplings, the wrap may extend four to five feet above the ground to deter deer browsing. Maintaining a consistent angle and overlap throughout the ascent is important for uniform protection and structural stability.
Once the desired height is reached, secure the end of the burlap strip carefully. Use the natural twine or tape to wrap around the trunk several times directly over the burlap’s edge, finishing with a secure knot. Avoid using wire, plastic ties, or any non-degradable material that could potentially girdle the tree as it grows.
After securing the top, ensure the initial anchor at the bottom is secure and that the wrap does not touch the soil. The final applied wrap should resemble a continuous cylinder that fully covers the bark without creating excessive tension or slack. The objective is protection, not compression; a tight wrap can hinder the tree’s ability to exchange gases.
Seasonal Removal and Inspection
The burlap wrapping must be removed promptly in early spring, typically once the threat of harsh freezes and sustained snow cover has passed. Removing the wrap before the tree breaks bud is important, ensuring the bark is not shaded for too long as the growing season approaches. Leaving the material on for too long can create an artificial microclimate, trapping moisture and heat that encourages disease or provides habitat for overwintering insects.
To remove the wrap, carefully cut the securing twine at the top and bottom and unwind the burlap ribbon downward. After removal, inspect the entire circumference of the trunk for any signs of damage. Look particularly for impressions or constrictions in the bark that could indicate girdling from a wrap that was applied too tightly. The bark should be healthy and uniformly colored, ready to transition into the active growing season.