Tree trunk wrapping - Ask Extension
We purchased a new home in 2021 that included no landscaping in the back yard. In Spring 2022 we added landscaping which included the following trees....
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Tree trunk wrapping #889704
Asked November 12, 2024, 11:10 AM EST
We purchased a new home in 2021 that included no landscaping in the back yard. In Spring 2022 we added landscaping which included the following trees. Crabapple Spring Snow, Crabapple Red Baron, Spartan Juniper and Blue Arrow Juniper. I was told it would be helpful to wrap the trunks of the Crabapple varieties during the winter so I have done so the past two seasons. My question is how many years should I continue this practice of wrapping the trunks? Should I do it again this year? I am including pictures of the trees so you can see the size. Additionally, I have noticed that when snow falls, it can add a lot of weight to the branches of the Spartan and Blue Arrow Junipers. I've had some branches break and others grow irregularly due to the damage from the excess weight of the snow. I do my best to go out as soon as possible to shake the snow off, but sometimes I cannot get out there very quickly. I am wondering if these Junipers could be wrapped in a way to help keep the branches closer to the trunk and prevent the snow from weighing them down. Do you have any recommendations about this? I have included a picture of the Spartan Junipers. Your advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Michael,
The general rule of thumb is to wrap for the first three seasons after the tree is planted. You will apply the paper wrap in late November and remove it in mid-April. Start the wrap at the base of the tree and up to the first branch.
There will reach a point when the trees' bark will "harden" or thicken. This usually happens a few years after planting. It's at this point where you won't need to wrap.
As for the evergreens, they are usually able to take snow loads, unless there snow is too heavy and wet. Wrapping them isn't a practical option, but you could use twine and lightly wind it around the shrubs before a potential storm. Leaving it on for the entire winter is not recommended, but this is a step you could take when there is a forecast for heavy snow. But a few broken branches are unlikely to affect the overall health or look of the shrub.
The general rule of thumb is to wrap for the first three seasons after the tree is planted. You will apply the paper wrap in late November and remove it in mid-April. Start the wrap at the base of the tree and up to the first branch.
There will reach a point when the trees' bark will "harden" or thicken. This usually happens a few years after planting. It's at this point where you won't need to wrap.
As for the evergreens, they are usually able to take snow loads, unless there snow is too heavy and wet. Wrapping them isn't a practical option, but you could use twine and lightly wind it around the shrubs before a potential storm. Leaving it on for the entire winter is not recommended, but this is a step you could take when there is a forecast for heavy snow. But a few broken branches are unlikely to affect the overall health or look of the shrub.
