How To Wrap Boxwood Shrubs In Burlap

Wrapping boxwood shrubs in burlap is a simple and effective way to protect them from harsh winter weather.
 
You wrap boxwood shrubs in burlap to shield their evergreen foliage from drying winds, heavy snow, and frost damage.
 
When you wrap boxwood shrubs in burlap correctly, you create a barrier that reduces moisture loss and prevents branches from breaking.
 
In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how to wrap boxwood shrubs in burlap, why it matters, and common mistakes to skip.
 
Let’s dive into wrapping your boxwoods the right way.
 

How to Wrap Boxwood Shrubs in Burlap Step by Step

Wrapping boxwood shrubs in burlap doesn’t take fancy tools — just a roll of natural burlap, twine, and a little know-how.
 
Here’s the best method for How to wrap boxwood shrubs in burlap successfully.
 

1. Choose the Right Burlap and Tools

Start with natural, untreated burlap so air still flows through the fabric.
 
Avoid plastic or synthetic wraps because they trap moisture and can cause rot when you wrap boxwood shrubs in burlap.
 
You’ll also need jute twine or garden wire to secure the burlap, and a pair of scissors or a utility knife.
 
Some gardeners use stakes to hold the burlap away from the foliage, which helps prevent needle abrasion.
 

2. Measure and Cut the Burlap Panels

Measure the height and width of each boxwood before cutting the burlap.
 
For most shrubs, a single panel that’s about 1.5 times the shrub’s height works well when you wrap boxwood shrubs in burlap.
 
Cut the burlap in a rectangle — no need for a perfect circle because you’ll gather it around the plant.
 

3. Drape the Burlap Over the Shrub

Gently drape the burlap over the top of the boxwood, centering it so equal lengths hang down on all sides.
 
Pull the burlap snug — but not tight — around the base of the shrub.
 
You want the fabric to rest lightly against the branches, not squeeze them.
 
This is one of the most important steps when you wrap boxwood shrubs in burlap.
 

4. Secure the Burlap with Twine

Start at the top and wrap twine around the shrub several times, just below the top of the burlap.
 
Work your way down the sides, wrapping the twine in a spiral pattern every 6 to 8 inches.
 
Tie the twine off at the base with a double knot — don’t cut the ends too short in case you need to adjust later.
 
This method of How to wrap boxwood shrubs in burlap keeps the fabric in place all winter long.
 

5. Add Stakes for Extra Air Circulation (Optional)

If your boxwood is large or in a very windy spot, drive three or four stakes into the ground around the shrub.
 
Then drape the burlap over the stakes, creating a tent-like structure.
 
This prevents the burlap from pressing directly against the leaves, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
 
When you wrap boxwood shrubs in burlap with stakes, you still get winter protection without suffocating the plant.
 

Why You Should Wrap Boxwood Shrubs in Burlap Every Winter

Boxwood shrubs are broadleaf evergreens, meaning they keep their leaves all year and lose moisture through them even in winter.
 
When the ground freezes, the roots can’t replace that lost water, so the leaves dry out and turn brown — that’s called winter burn.
 
Wrapping boxwood shrubs in burlap reduces wind speed around the foliage and cuts down on moisture loss.
 
It also protects branches from breaking under heavy snow or ice loads.
 
Many gardeners ask if they really need to wrap boxwood shrubs in burlap, and the answer is yes if you live in zones 4 to 6 with harsh winters or exposed sites.
 

Winter Burn Prevention

Winter burn is the main reason people start wrapping boxwood shrubs in burlap.
 
Sunny winter days warm the foliage, causing the leaves to release water vapor, but the frozen roots can’t absorb more.
 
The burlap shades the leaves and breaks the wind, keeping the shrub from losing too much moisture.
 

Snow and Ice Damage Reduction

Heavy snow can flatten boxwood shrubs, splitting branches and ruining the shape.
 
When you wrap boxwood shrubs in burlap, the fabric holds the branches together and spreads the snow load evenly.
 
This prevents breakage and keeps your shrubs looking tidy come spring.
 

Common Mistakes When You Wrap Boxwood Shrubs in Burlap

Even experienced gardeners make errors that hurt the shrubs instead of helping them.
 
Avoid these pitfalls when you wrap boxwood shrubs in burlap.
 

1. Wrapping Too Tightly

Tight wrapping squeezes the branches and cuts off airflow.
 
Always leave a little slack so the shrub can breathe.
 

2. Using Plastic Instead of Burlap

Plastic traps heat and moisture, creating a greenhouse effect that can cook the foliage on sunny days.
 
Stick with natural burlap when you wrap boxwood shrubs in burlap.
 

3. Wrapping Too Early or Too Late

Wait until after the first hard frost — usually late November or early December — to wrap.
 
Wrapping too early encourages soft growth that winter will kill, while wrapping too late means damage may already happen.
 

4. Leaving the Burlap On Too Long in Spring

Remove the burlap in early spring as soon as the worst cold passes, usually around mid-March.
 
If you leave it on too long, the shrub may start to grow inside the wrap, leading to distorted shapes and fungal issues.
 

So, How to Wrap Boxwood Shrubs in Burlap?

You wrap boxwood shrubs in burlap by measuring the shrub, cutting a burlap panel, draping it loosely over the top, and securing it with twine in a spiral pattern.
 
For extra protection, use stakes to hold the burlap away from the foliage.
 
Wrapping boxwood shrubs in burlap prevents winter burn, protects against snow breakage, and keeps your evergreens healthy through the cold months.
 
Do it right, and your boxwoods will reward you with lush green leaves every spring.
 
Now you know exactly how to wrap boxwood shrubs in burlap — get out there and give your shrubs the winter shelter they deserve.