Burlap is a coarse, plain-woven fabric manufactured primarily from natural jute fibers. In horticulture, this material is valued for its durability and porous texture. The woven structure allows for necessary air and water exchange while providing physical protection to plants. Gardeners use this versatile, environmentally friendly fabric for various seasonal and maintenance tasks.
Common Gardening Applications
One primary function of burlap is providing physical defense for delicate shrubs and trees during harsh weather conditions. When secured around plants, the fabric acts as a permeable windbreak that mitigates desiccation and sunscald damage caused by winter winds and strong sunlight.
Burlap is also the traditional material used in the “ball and burlap” technique for transplanting large woody plants. The fabric is tightly wrapped around the dug-up root mass, holding the soil structure intact and protecting the feeder roots during relocation. Since the material is biodegradable, the entire wrapped root ball can often be placed directly into the new planting hole, minimizing transplant shock.
The dense weave of burlap makes it an effective, temporary solution for erosion control and weed management. It can be laid over newly seeded slopes to stabilize the topsoil, preventing rain and wind from washing away seeds before germination occurs. When used as a weed barrier, the fabric smothers unwanted growth while slowly decomposing into the soil over time.
Types of Burlap Material
Selecting the appropriate burlap begins with understanding the difference between its primary material compositions, namely natural jute and synthetic polypropylene. Natural jute burlap is completely biodegradable, breaking down within one to two growing seasons, making it the preferred choice for root ball wrapping and direct-contact soil applications. Conversely, synthetic polypropylene burlap offers superior strength and resistance to decay, making it better suited for long-term uses like heavy-duty erosion control or permanent windbreaks.
Another factor influencing the purchasing decision is whether the material has undergone chemical treatment. Untreated burlap is the safer option for vegetable gardens, raised beds, or any application involving edible plants, as it ensures no residual fungicides or pesticides leach into the soil. Treated burlap, which may be labeled as rot-resistant, has been chemically enhanced to delay decomposition, extending its usable life for non-edible landscaping projects.
The physical specifications, specifically the weave density and weight, also determine the material’s fitness for a specific gardening task. Lightweight burlap, typically six to seven ounces per square yard, is ideal for draping over plants for shading or temporary frost protection due to its manageable nature and higher light transmission. Heavier grades, often ten to fourteen ounces per square yard, provide the necessary tensile strength and abrasion resistance for securing large root balls or managing significant soil stabilization efforts.
Retail and Bulk Purchasing Options
Local Garden Centers and Nurseries
For gardeners seeking immediate access and smaller quantities, local garden centers and independent nurseries are the most convenient source. They typically stock high-quality, pre-cut sheets and smaller rolls, often carrying both untreated natural jute and treated options for winterizing. This allows buyers to physically inspect the weave and weight for delicate applications like shading or small transplanting projects.
Hardware and Home Improvement Stores
Moving up in quantity and convenience, large hardware and home improvement stores offer a readily available supply of standard burlap products. These national chains generally focus on mid-range quantities, often selling burlap in large, continuous rolls that are well-suited for medium-sized landscaping projects or multiple tree wrappings. While the selection is often limited to a few standard weights, the accessibility and competitive pricing make them a practical option for the average homeowner.
Online Retailers
When specific material types or significant cost savings are the priority, sourcing burlap through online retailers is an attractive alternative. E-commerce platforms provide the widest selection of niche products, including specialized weights and certified organic untreated fabrics. Buyers can purchase industrial-sized rolls of synthetic or natural burlap, though this method requires advanced planning to account for shipping times and costs.
Specialized Agricultural Suppliers
For professional landscapers or those undertaking large-scale agricultural projects, specialized agricultural or landscaping supply companies represent the best avenue for true bulk purchases. These suppliers deal in enormous quantities, often selling by the pallet or offering specialized materials like heavy-duty woven polypropylene ground cover or UV-stabilized fabrics. While requiring a larger minimum order, these dedicated companies provide the lowest per-unit cost and access to the most durable, project-specific materials on the market.