Covering Shrubs for Winter: A Step-by-Step Guide for Protection

Gardeners frequently ponder how to shield their plants from inclement weather as winter draws near. A straightforward but efficient method to guarantee that your shrubs are robust and healthy come springtime is to cover them for the winter. The harsh winter heat, drying winds, and cold temperatures can have a serious effect on shrubs, especially fragile ones. Don’t worry, though! We’ll teach how to covering shrubs for winter in this thorough guide so they can flourish year after year.

you may want to read: How to easy  winterize your garden

Why Is Covering Shrubs for Winter Important?

covering shrubs for winter

Let’s first examine why “covering shrubs for winter “months is so important before moving on to the measures. Shrubs may experience a number of problems, including sunscald, frost damage, and desiccation, when the ground freezes and temperatures drop. Desiccation happens when plants lose moisture more quickly than they can take it in, especially under strong winds or intense sunlight.

Protecting shrubs in winter by covering them helps to:

Regulate soil temperature and prevent the roots from freezing.

Insulate shrubs from harsh winds that can dry out their leaves and stems.

Shield them from extreme cold snaps that could cause frost damage.

Prevent sunscald, especially for evergreens and broadleaf shrubs that remain active during winter.

By taking proactive steps to cover your shrubs, you ensure that they are better equipped to handle the harsh winter elements and emerge healthier in the spring.

Step-by-Step Guide to Covering Shrubs for Winter

1. Prepare Your Shrubs Before the First Freeze

One of the best ways to protect your shrubs in winter is to prepare them before the first frost hits. Follow these steps:

Water thoroughly:

Shrubs need adequate moisture before going into winter. Water your shrubs deeply to ensure that the soil retains moisture. This helps the plants avoid desiccation during dry winter spells.

Prune dead or damaged branches:

 Remove any dead or broken branches from your shrubs to help them conserve energy and focus on staying healthy through the winter.

Mulch around the base:

Apply a layer of mulch around the root zone to keep the soil temperature stable. Mulch also helps retain moisture in the soil and protects the roots from freezing.

2. **Choose the Right Winter Covers for Shrubs

covering shrubs for winter

Now that your shrubs are ready, it’s time to choose the appropriate shrub winter covers. The size of the shrub, the harshness of the winter climate, and the particular plant species will all influence the kind of cover you select.

 
a. Covers made of lightweight fabric or burlap


Lightweight burlap or fabric covers are ideal for tiny bushes. They act as a barrier to keep out wind, cold, and strong sunlight while yet allowing the plant to breathe. Most garden stores sell winter covers for bushes, but as a less expensive option, you can use old blankets or sheets.

b. Larger Shrub Covers for Winter

You might wish to spend money on large shrub coverings for the winter if you have a row of large plants. These coverings provide sufficient shelter from the cold and are made to fit over several plants at once. To keep them from being blown off by the wind, they can be tied in place and are usually composed of thicker material.


c. Wrapping delicate shrubs with burlap


How to wrap shrubs in burlap is an excellent alternative for shrubs that are more susceptible to cold weather, such evergreens or young plants. Burlap provides superior protection and insulation without obstructing airflow. Make sure the burlap doesn’t come into direct contact with the shrub by wrapping it loosely and tying it in place with garden ties or twine.

3. Wrap Shrubs in Burlap or Fabric

Now that you’ve chosen the right cover, it’s time to wrap shrubs in burlap or fabric. Here’s how:

Step 1:

Begin by gently shaking the shrub to remove any loose debris, like leaves or twigs.

Step 2:

 Wrap the burlap or fabric around the shrub from bottom to top. Be sure to leave enough space between the cover and the plant to prevent contact with the branches or leaves.

Step 3:

Secure the wrap with twine or string at the base of the shrub to prevent the cover from slipping. Make sure the covering is snug but not tight, as it needs to allow the plant to breathe.

Step 4:

For taller shrubs, consider adding a frame made from stakes or poles. This keeps the fabric off the plant and ensures that the wrap stays in place.

4. Use Additional Insulation for Extra Protection

If your area experiences extreme cold or prolonged freezes, you might need to add extra insulation to your covers. Here’s how you can enhance the protection:

Layer the covers:

For extra warmth, use burlap or several layers of fabric. A layer of insulation, such as bubble wrap or foam, can also be positioned in between the covers.


Mulch the top: 


After the shrub has been wrapped, cover it with another layer of mulch. This will further insulate the plant by retaining heat from the earth.

Use holiday lights:

For very sensitive shrubs, you can place a strand of non-LED holiday lights underneath the burlap. The gentle warmth from the lights can prevent frost damage without overheating the plant.

5. Monitor Your Shrubs Throughout the Winter

Covering your shrubs is just one part of winter protection. You must continue to monitor them throughout the season:

Check for signs of damage:

Occasionally check the covers for any signs of damage, such as holes or tears. Repair them immediately to maintain full protection.

Remove snow buildup:

If heavy snow accumulates on your shrub covers, gently shake it off to avoid damage to the plant or cover.

Ensure adequate moisture:

Even during the winter, some shrubs may need water. Keep an eye on weather conditions and irrigate the shrubs occasionally when the soil is dry.

FAQs About Covering Shrubs for Winter

Why should I cover my shrubs for winter?

Covering your shrubs helps protect them from freezing temperatures, drying winds, and intense winter sun. It reduces the risk of desiccation, frost damage, and sunscald, which can harm the plant.

Can I use regular fabric to cover my shrubs?

Yes, you can use regular fabric, but make sure it’s lightweight and breathable. Burlap is a popular choice, as it provides insulation while allowing the plant to breathe.

How do I wrap shrubs in burlap?

Wrap the burlap around the shrub from bottom to top, leaving enough space between the cover and the plant. Secure the burlap at the base with twine, and make sure the fabric doesn’t touch the plant directly.

Are there large covers for shrubs available?

Yes, there are large shrub covers for winter available in various sizes. These are designed for taller or multiple shrubs and are usually made from thicker materials for added protection.

When should I remove the winter cover from my shrubs?

Remove the covers once the weather warms up in spring, and the risk of frost has passed. Be sure to wait until temperatures are consistently above freezing to prevent any damage to the plants.

Conclusion

Covering shrubs for winter is an essential step in ensuring that your plants survive the colder months and emerge ready to flourish come spring. This guide will help you prepare your shrubs, choose the right coverings, and monitor them during the growing season so you can maintain your investment and enjoy a beautiful, healthy garden each year.
This winter, are you ready to protect your shrubs? Don’t be scared to invest in high-quality winter shrub covers and burlap wraps. Regardless of the size of your garden or the shrub you’re covering, the right protection is just a step away!

Scroll to Top