Knowledgebase
To wrap or not wrap? #778707
Asked December 04, 2021, 12:14 PM EST
Ramsey County Minnesota
Expert Response
So the short answer is yes.
Arborvitae can be subject to winter sun-scald depending on where they are planted. South and south-west exposures, and unprotected sites such as hilltops are especially challenging. Wrapping these trees can help to prevent needle, and branch loss, but there are other reasons to protect these trees besides the winter sun. New plantings, in particular, may be victims of deer foraging and rodent damage during the winter. Snow and ice loads may cause limb damage, or the loss of the whole tree.
You can also put stakes in the ground and attach the burlap to stakes so that the south, southeast, and windward exposures are shaded/protected.
Here is some good information from the U: Protecting trees and shrubs in winter | UMN Extension
