How To Burlap Boxwoods

Burlaping boxwoods is a straightforward winter protection method that involves wrapping your shrubs in fabric.
 
If you’ve ever wondered how to burlap boxwoods to shield them from harsh winds, heavy snow, and ice damage, the process is simpler than you might think.
 
This technique creates a barrier that prevents branches from drying out and breaking under the weight of snow.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about how to burlap boxwoods effectively, including timing, materials, and common mistakes to skip.
 
Let’s dig into the details.
 

Why You Should Burlap Boxwoods in Winter

Boxwoods are evergreen but their shallow roots and delicate leaves are vulnerable to winter burn and wind desiccation.
 
Burlaping boxwoods offers insulation and reduces moisture loss during freezing months.
 
1. Protects Against Winter Burn
 
When the ground freezes, boxwood roots can’t pull up water.
 
If strong winds or sun hit the leaves, they lose moisture faster than the plant can replace it.
 
That causes brown, scorched foliage known as winter burn.
 
Burlaping boxwoods blocks those drying winds and reflects some sunlight, keeping leaves hydrated.
 
2. Prevents Snow and Ice Damage
 
Heavy snow can splay boxwood branches apart, leading to broken limbs or a permanently misshapen shrub.
 
Ice buildup adds extra weight and can cause the entire plant to split.
 
When you burlap boxwoods correctly, the fabric holds the branches together and sheds snow instead of collecting it.
 
3. Reduces Salt Spray Damage
 
If your boxwoods are near a road or walkway treated with de-icing salt, the spray can burn the foliage.
 
Burlap acts as a physical barrier that keeps salt crystals away from the leaves.
 
So burlaping your boxwoods also preserves their green color through the harshest months.
 

When Is the Best Time to Burlap Boxwoods?

Timing is key when learning how to burlap boxwoods.
 
You don’t want to wrap them too early or too late.
 
Wait Until After the First Hard Freeze
 
Burlaping boxwoods too early can trap heat and moisture, encouraging fungal growth.
 
Wait until the ground has frozen solid and temperatures are consistently below freezing during the night.
 
That’s usually in late fall or early winter, depending on your zone.
 
Remove Burlap in Early Spring
 
Leave the burlap on until the worst of winter has passed and the ground starts to thaw.
 
Remove it on a cloudy, calm day to avoid shocking the plant with sudden bright sun and wind.
 
Following this schedule for how to burlap boxwoods ensures you protect them without causing harm.
 

How to Burlap Boxwoods Step by Step

Now for the main event.
 
Here’s the practical method for burlaping boxwoods so they survive winter looking great.
 
1. Gather the Right Materials
 
You’ll need natural burlap fabric (not plastic), twine or garden staples, and scissors.
 
Avoid synthetic burlap because it doesn’t breathe and can trap moisture.
 
Natural burlap allows air circulation while providing protection.
 
2. Measure and Cut the Burlap
 
Wrap the burlap around the boxwood loosely, leaving a few inches of overhang on the sides.
 
Cut a piece large enough to cover the entire shrub from top to bottom.
 
You can also wrap individual stems if your boxwood has a particularly open habit.
 
3. Wrap the Boxwood Without Squeezing
 
Drape the burlap over the top so it hangs like a loose tent.
 
Tie the fabric around the base with twine, but don’t cinch it too tight.
 
The goal when you burlap boxwoods is to create a windbreak, not a straightjacket.
 
Leave some air space between the leaves and the fabric.
 
4. Secure the Burlap in Place
 
Use garden staples or a few more loops of twine to hold the burlap against the shrub.
 
Make sure the bottom edge is tucked under or weighed down with soil so wind can’t lift it.
 
Check the wrap after a heavy snowfall and gently shake off any accumulated weight.
 

Common Mistakes When Burlaping Boxwoods

Even experienced gardeners can make errors with how to burlap boxwoods.
 
Avoid these pitfalls to keep your shrubs healthy.
 
Using Plastic Instead of Burlap
 
Plastic sheeting traps moisture and heat, creating a greenhouse effect that rots the plant.
 
Always choose breathable natural burlap for burlaping boxwoods.
 
Wrapping Too Tightly
 
A tight wrap restricts airflow and can break branches.
 
The fabric should be snug enough to stay in place but loose enough to allow air movement.
 
Leaving Burlap On Too Long in Spring
 
If you forget to remove the burlap as the weather warms, the boxwood can overheat and get fungal diseases under the wet fabric.
 
Monitor the temperature and take it off as soon as the frost danger passes.
 

So, How to Burlap Boxwoods Effectively?

Burlaping boxwoods is a simple protective measure that uses natural burlap, proper timing, and a loose wrap.
 
When you burlap boxwoods after the ground freezes and remove the cover in early spring, you shield them from wind, snow, ice, and salt damage.
 
The key points are to use breathable fabric, avoid tight wrapping, and pay attention to weather conditions.
 
Now you know exactly how to burlap boxwoods to keep them thriving through winter and bouncing back green in spring.
 
Happy wrapping.