Winter damage arborvitaes - Ask Extension
I planted arborvitaes 2 years ago. It is the second year a cover them with burlap, they are 30 “ tall now.
I just removed the burlap last weekend, b...
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Winter damage arborvitaes #630868
Asked May 04, 2020, 10:39 AM EDT
I planted arborvitaes 2 years ago. It is the second year a cover them with burlap, they are 30 “ tall now.
I just removed the burlap last weekend, but 3 on them are damage, I attached the photo.
I would like to know how can I help them.
This week the temperature will fall again between 20’s and 30’s, should I covered them again?
Thank you
Oakland County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello,
It looks as if the damage you are seeing may be from improper wrapping. Burlap can be used to prevent winter damage such as deer browsing, salt burn and scorch. However, it is important to make sure the burlap is supported about 18 inches away from the plant so that the burlap is not touching the foliage. Burlap that is in contact with the plant can keep too much moisture, ice and salt in contact with the foliage, as well as providing an attractive sheltered area for small animals who can damage the plant. Supporting the burlap with stakes so that there is adequate air circulation around the plant can avoid these pitfalls. In addition, wraps should not be put on too early, or left on too late in the season. The burlap should have been removed in mid-March this year once temperatures started moving upward. Arborvitae are hardy in this growing zone, so the main reason to wrap them is to keep deer away from them and to guard them from salt spray. There is no need to wrap them this week due to the cold snap. Hopefully the plants will start putting out new growth now that they are uncovered. Take care to water them adequately if there is a dry period, and make sure you water correctly. Always water at the base of the tree to avoid wetting the foliage. I am attaching two articles, one on wrapping trees and one on water needs of newly planted trees and shrubs.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/smarthttps://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/watering-newly-planted-trees-and-shrubs
_winter_protection_for_trees_and_shrubs
I hope this is helpful.
It looks as if the damage you are seeing may be from improper wrapping. Burlap can be used to prevent winter damage such as deer browsing, salt burn and scorch. However, it is important to make sure the burlap is supported about 18 inches away from the plant so that the burlap is not touching the foliage. Burlap that is in contact with the plant can keep too much moisture, ice and salt in contact with the foliage, as well as providing an attractive sheltered area for small animals who can damage the plant. Supporting the burlap with stakes so that there is adequate air circulation around the plant can avoid these pitfalls. In addition, wraps should not be put on too early, or left on too late in the season. The burlap should have been removed in mid-March this year once temperatures started moving upward. Arborvitae are hardy in this growing zone, so the main reason to wrap them is to keep deer away from them and to guard them from salt spray. There is no need to wrap them this week due to the cold snap. Hopefully the plants will start putting out new growth now that they are uncovered. Take care to water them adequately if there is a dry period, and make sure you water correctly. Always water at the base of the tree to avoid wetting the foliage. I am attaching two articles, one on wrapping trees and one on water needs of newly planted trees and shrubs.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/smarthttps://extension.umn.edu/planting-and-growing-guides/watering-newly-planted-trees-and-shrubs
_winter_protection_for_trees_and_shrubs
I hope this is helpful.
