Protect Your Garden This Winter with Burlap

This is the season where gardeners turn their attention to preparing their plants for the long winter ahead. Among the various methods of winter protection, Black Swan Landscaping finds burlap to be a versatile and effective ally in shielding your garden from the harshest elements. In this blog post, we’ll explore the art of burlap plant protection, providing you with valuable insights into why and how to use this natural material to ensure your plants thrive through the winter months.

Why Burlap?

Burlap is a plant protector’s best friend and for good reasons. Unlike plastic coverings, which can trap moisture and stifle your plants, burlap is a breathable fabric. It allows air circulation while safeguarding against frost, snow, ice, and winter burn—a condition induced by the combination of harsh winter sunlight and dehydrated soil. By choosing burlap, you’re ensuring that your plants can breathe and receive the protection they need.

When to Use Burlap for Ontario Gardens

The timing of burlap application is crucial for maximum effectiveness. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind:

1. Newly Planted Shrubs and Trees: Young plants are more vulnerable to winter’s chill. It’s advisable to protect them for their first one to three winters until they establish themselves as winter-tolerant.

2. Broadleaf Evergreens: Species such as azaleas, camellias, and rhododendrons often require burlap covering during extreme cold. These plants tend to be more sensitive to winter conditions.

3. Late Fall for Evergreens: For evergreen varieties like yews and spruce, wrapping them in burlap should occur in late fall, providing them with the winter protection they need.

4. After the First Frost for Roses: Once the first heavy frost has visited your garden, it’s time to cut back your roses. Properly wrapped burlap can offer additional protection.

Benefits of Burlap with Ontario Winters

Wrapping plants and covering shrubs with burlap provides an array of benefits:

1. Moisture Retention: Burlap helps retain moisture, ensuring your plants stay hydrated during the drier winter months.

2. Wildlife Deterrent: It acts as a barrier, keeping deer and other wildlife from feasting on your plants when food becomes scarce.

3. Protection from Elements: Burlap safeguards your plants from the harsh effects of winter, including sunscald, ice, windburn, and more.

The Breathability of Burlap

Burlap’s breathable nature ensures that your plants won’t suffocate under their winter armour. This property allows the plant to exchange gases with the outside environment, preventing issues related to excessive moisture or trapped heat. It’s a gentle yet effective shield against the cold.

As you prepare your garden for the winter ahead, consider the advantages of burlap in your arsenal of protective measures. From shielding newly planted treasures to safeguarding delicate evergreens, burlap offers an eco-friendly, breathable solution to winter’s challenges. By wrapping your plants in burlap, you’re not only preserving their health but also ensuring a vibrant and resilient garden come springtime. Want to learn more ways to protect your garden this winter? Read our 10 essential tips for Southern Ontario fall landscaping guide here!