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You need to cover arborvitae in the winter, especially if they are young or newly planted.
Covering arborvitae in the winter protects them from snow, ice, and drying winter winds.
If you have been asking yourself, do I need to cover arborvitae in the winter, the answer is yes for vulnerable trees.
But mature and well-established arborvitae may not need covering every winter unless conditions are extreme.
In this post, we will explore why you need to cover arborvitae in the winter and how to do it effectively.
We will also cover common mistakes so you can protect your arborvitae properly.
Let’s get to protecting your arborvitae from winter damage.
Why You Need To Cover Arborvitae In The Winter
1. Protection from Heavy Snow and Ice
Heavy snow and ice can bend or break arborvitae branches apart, ruining their shape.
Covering arborvitae in the winter with burlap or a wrap prevents branches from splaying open.
This keeps your arborvitae shape intact and avoids permanent damage to the structure.
Without covering, the weight of snow can split the center of the tree, leaving gaps.
A proper cover sheds snow and ice before they accumulate too heavily.
2. Shielding from Winter Wind
Cold winter winds can dry out arborvitae foliage, causing browning and needle drop.
Covering arborvitae in the winter reduces wind exposure and prevents desiccation of the needles.
Evergreens like arborvitae lose moisture through their needles even during dormancy.
A cover helps retain moisture and stops windburn from damaging the foliage over time.
Wind protection is especially important for arborvitae planted in open, exposed areas.
3. Preventing Sunscald on Bark
Bright winter sun can warm the bark during the day, then freezing night temperatures cause cracks.
Covering arborvitae in the winter with a light-colored material reflects sunlight and stabilizes temperature.
This minimizes the risk of sunscald, which is especially common in young arborvitae with thin bark.
Covering the trunk as well as the foliage provides complete protection from sun damage.
Sunscald can lead to long-term health issues if left unchecked.
When To Cover Arborvitae In The Winter
1. Timing After First Hard Frost
The best time to cover arborvitae in the winter is after the first hard frost but before heavy snowfall.
Covering arborvitae in the winter too early can trap heat and encourage fungal growth in damp conditions.
Wait until the ground freezes and the tree is fully dormant to start covering.
This timing usually falls in late fall or early winter depending on your climate zone.
Check local frost dates to plan your covering schedule accurately.
2. Signs That Your Arborvitae Needs Covering
If your arborvitae is less than three years old, you definitely need to cover arborvitae in the winter.
Also cover arborvitae in the winter if they are in an exposed location with strong winds and no shelter.
Watch for previous winter damage like split branches or brown foliage as a sign to start covering.
Newly planted arborvitae have shallow roots and benefit most from winter protection.
Even mature arborvitae may need covering if they have been pruned recently or are stressed.
How To Cover Arborvitae In The Winter
1. Using Burlap Wrap
The most common method for covering arborvitae in the winter is wrapping with burlap fabric.
Start at the bottom and wrap loosely upward, allowing air circulation to prevent mold.
Secure the burlap with twine or zip ties, but do not cinch it too tight against the branches.
Covering arborvitae in the winter with burlap blocks wind and snow while letting the tree breathe.
Burlap is affordable and reusable, making it a popular choice for homeowners.
2. Creating a Protective Cage
For smaller arborvitae, you can build a cage using wooden stakes and hardware cloth for structure.
Then drape burlap or frost cloth over the cage for extra protection against snow load.
This method of covering arborvitae in the winter keeps snow from crushing the foliage directly.
It also allows you to easily remove the cover on milder days for ventilation and inspection.
A cage is ideal for columnar arborvitae that are prone to splitting apart.
3. Using Anti-Desiccant Sprays
Anti-desiccant sprays form a waxy coating on the needles that reduces moisture loss significantly.
While not a physical cover, they work well alongside covering arborvitae in the winter for extra protection.
Apply the spray in late fall when temperatures are above freezing for best adhesion.
This is an extra step for those who live in very windy or dry winter climates.
Reapply after heavy rain or prolonged wet weather if needed.
Common Mistakes When Covering Arborvitae In The Winter
1. Wrapping Too Tightly
Wrapping arborvitae too tightly can break branches and restrict air flow around the tree.
When covering arborvitae in the winter, leave some slack so branches can move slightly in the wind.
A tight wrap traps moisture and can lead to mold or rot on the foliage.
Always check that the cover is snug but not constricting to avoid damage.
Loose wrapping allows the tree to breathe and reduces disease risk.
2. Using Plastic Instead of Burlap
Plastic does not breathe and can cause overheating on sunny winter days, stressing the tree.
Covering arborvitae in the winter with plastic traps condensation and ice against the foliage.
Stick to breathable materials like burlap or frost cloth for best results.
Plastic is only useful as a temporary rain cover, not for long-term winter protection.
Burlap is the gold standard for winter tree covers.
3. Removing the Cover Too Early
Do not remove the cover too early in spring while frost is still possible in your area.
Covering arborvitae in the winter should last until temperatures stay above freezing consistently.
Early removal exposes new growth to late frosts and wind damage that can kill tender shoots.
Wait until the risk of snow and hard frost has passed completely before taking off the cover.
Gradually acclimate the tree by removing the cover on mild days first.
So, Do You Need To Cover Arborvitae In The Winter?
Yes, you need to cover arborvitae in the winter if they are young, newly planted, or in harsh conditions.
Covering arborvitae in the winter prevents snow breakage, wind desiccation, and sunscald effectively.
Mature arborvitae can often survive winter without covering, but it is still beneficial during extreme weather.
We hope this post has helped you understand why you need to cover arborvitae in the winter and the best methods to do so.
Now you can protect your arborvitae and enjoy healthy, green trees all year round.
Remember to time your covering correctly and avoid common mistakes for the best results.