How To Cover Boxwoods With Burlap

You cover boxwoods with burlap to protect them from winter burn, drying winds, and heavy snow damage.
 
This time-tested method creates a breathable barrier that shields the foliage without trapping excess moisture.
 
If you’ve been wondering how to cover boxwoods with burlap the right way, there are specific steps that make all the difference for your shrubs.
 
Knowing how to cover boxwoods with burlap isn’t just about throwing a sheet over them and hoping for the best.
 
In this post, we’ll walk through how to cover boxwoods with burlap properly, when to do it, and what common pitfalls to avoid.
 
Let’s get your boxwoods ready for winter.
 

Understanding How To Cover Boxwoods With Burlap

Before you start wrapping, it helps to understand why and when you need to cover boxwoods with burlap.
 
The goal is protection, not suffocation, and burlap is perfect for that balance.
 

Why Burlap Is the Best Choice for Boxwoods

Burlap is the go-to material when you cover boxwoods with burlap because it breathes.
 
Unlike plastic, burlap allows air and moisture to pass through while blocking harsh wind and sun.
 
Plastic traps heat during the day and creates condensation at night, which can freeze and damage leaves.
 
Burlap avoids all that, making it the safest option for winter protection.
 

When to Cover Boxwoods With Burlap

Timing matters a lot when you plan to cover boxwoods with burlap.
 
Wait until the ground has frozen and the boxwoods are fully dormant, usually after several hard frosts.
 
In most climates, late November to early December is the sweet spot.
 
Covering too early can trap heat and confuse the plant’s dormancy cycle.
 

What You’ll Need to Cover Boxwoods With Burlap

Gather a few supplies before you start.
 
You will need natural burlap (not treated with chemicals), twine or jute rope, scissors, and stakes if you want extra structure.
 
Avoid synthetic burlap since it doesn’t breathe the same way natural burlap does.
 
Having everything ready makes the wrapping process smooth and fast.
 

Step-by-Step: How To Cover Boxwoods With Burlap

Now let’s get into the actual process of how to cover boxwoods with burlap from start to finish.
 
Follow these steps and your boxwoods will thank you come spring.
 

1. Prepare the Boxwood Before Wrapping

Start by gently brushing off any loose snow or debris from the boxwood.
 
If the branches are wet, let them dry a bit first so you don’t trap moisture inside the wrap.
 
Check for any broken or damaged branches and prune them away.
 
This prep work ensures the burlap sits cleanly and the shrub is healthy before you cover boxwoods with burlap.
 

2. Drape the Burlap Loosely Around the Shrub

Cut a piece of burlap large enough to wrap around the entire boxwood with some extra to spare.
 
Drape it loosely around the shrub, allowing the branches to maintain their natural shape.
 
The key when you cover boxwoods with burlap is not to compress the plant.
 
Boxwoods need air circulation, so leave a little breathing room inside the wrap.
 

3. Secure the Burlap Without Damaging Branches

Use jute twine to tie the burlap in place at the base of the shrub.
 
Tie it just tight enough to hold the burlap against the wind, but not so tight that it cinches the branches.
 
You can add a second tie midway up for extra security if needed.
 
Remember, when you cover boxwoods with burlap, the wrap should stay put without crushing the plant.
 

4. Leave the Top Open or Covered?

This is a common debate when learning how to cover boxwoods with burlap.
 
In most cases, leaving the top slightly open is best so heat can escape and air can circulate.
 
If your area gets heavy snowfall, you can cover the top loosely, but never seal it shut.
 
A fully sealed top turns the burlap into a greenhouse and can cook the plant on sunny winter days.
 
A light covering or a partial opening is the safest approach.
 

Common Mistakes When You Cover Boxwoods With Burlap

Even with good intentions, a few common errors can undo all your hard work.
 
Here’s what to watch out for the next time you cover boxwoods with burlap.
 

Wrapping Too Tightly

Tight wrapping is the number one mistake people make.
 
Boxwood branches are brittle in winter and can snap if compressed.
 
A tight wrap also restricts airflow, which invites fungal diseases.
 
Always err on the loose side when you cover boxwoods with burlap.
 

Using Plastic Instead of Burlap

Plastic might seem like a good idea for waterproofing, but it’s terrible for boxwoods.
 
Plastic traps moisture and creates a humid environment that leads to mold and rot.
 
It also heats up fast in the sun, which can break dormancy prematurely.
 
Stick with natural burlap every time you cover boxwoods with burlap.
 

Covering Too Early or Leaving It On Too Long

Putting the burlap on before the ground freezes can cause the plant to keep growing.
 
Leaving it on too long in spring can delay new growth and trap excess heat.
 
Remove the burlap gradually in early spring when temperatures start to rise above freezing consistently.
 
A little attention to timing makes how to cover boxwoods with burlap much more effective.
 

So, How To Cover Boxwoods With Burlap?

You cover boxwoods with burlap by following a few simple but important steps.
 
Start with natural burlap, wrap it loosely around the shrub, and secure it gently with twine.
 
Leave the top partially open for airflow and remove the wrap in early spring.
 
Avoid common mistakes like wrapping too tightly, using plastic, or covering at the wrong time.
 
With this guide, you now know exactly how to cover boxwoods with burlap to keep them healthy all winter long.
 
Your boxwoods will emerge vibrant and strong when the warm weather returns.