FALL GARDEN PREP
A good bush wrap for winter can help protect shrubs and small trees from several seasonal problems at once. The right cover can reduce branch breakage, discourage deer browsing, limit wind exposure, and help protect evergreen foliage from winter burn.
The key is choosing the right material and installing it correctly. A wrap should protect the plant without crushing the branches or trapping moisture against the foliage.
American Nettings & Fabric supplies practical netting and fabric solutions for home gardens, landscapes, orchards, and commercial growing operations. With 40 years of family-owned experience, we can help you choose a suitable size and material for your application.
WHY SHRUBS NEED WINTER PROTECTION
Winter damage often comes from more than low temperatures.
Evergreen shrubs continue to lose moisture through their foliage during winter. Frozen soil can limit the water available to the roots, while cold wind and bright sun increase moisture loss. This can lead to brown or bleached foliage, especially on exposed sides of arborvitae, yew, hemlock, juniper, and other evergreens.
Deer can also cause serious damage when natural food becomes less available. They may browse on evergreen branches, shrubs, small trees, and berry plants. In late fall, bucks can also rub their antlers against young tree trunks and branches.
Snow and ice add another risk. Heavy accumulation can bend or break branches, particularly on upright or densely branched shrubs.
A simple protective structure helps address these seasonal concerns.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT TYPE OF BUSH WRAP FOR WINTER
There are two practical approaches for protecting shrubs.
Loose shrub wrap
A lightweight knitted wrap works well for compact shrubs and small trees. It can help hold branches together, reduce breakage from snow, and discourage browsing.
American Nettings’ Shrub Wrap is made from lightweight knitted polyethylene. It is available in:
- 19 inches x 50 feet
- 19 inches x 250 feet
- One-season life expectancy
- Suitable for shrubs, bushes, and small trees
The wrap is installed in a spiral around the plant. Each layer overlaps the previous layer to reduce gaps.
This method is useful when the main concerns are:
- Snow and ice damage
- Branch breakage
- Short-term deer protection
- Transporting or moving shrubs
- Seasonal protection for compact plants
Framed deer netting for shrubs
For heavier deer pressure or sensitive evergreens, a framed barrier may be the better option. Stakes or posts create space between the plant and the netting. This air gap allows better circulation and keeps the material from rubbing directly against the foliage.
Deer & Bird Netting is a lightweight black polypropylene mesh with 3/4-inch square openings. It is UV stabilized and has a listed life expectancy of four or more years.
It can be used to:
- Surround individual shrubs
- Protect berry plants and garden beds
- Create a temporary garden cage
- Cover shrubs and small trees
- Provide seasonal deer and bird protection
For high deer pressure, a taller and stronger perimeter fence may be more suitable. See the Heavy Duty Deer Fence for larger or more permanent installations.
HOW TO WRAP A SHRUB FOR WINTER
Follow these steps for a simple seasonal installation.
1. Water the shrub before the ground freezes
Healthy plants handle winter stress better than plants that enter winter dry. Water shrubs thoroughly in late fall, especially after a dry growing season.
Continue normal watering until the ground begins to freeze. Avoid creating soggy conditions around the roots.
University of Minnesota Extension recommends watering thoroughly before freeze-up and applying mulch around trees and shrubs. Its guidance also notes that winter sun and wind can dry evergreen foliage while the roots remain frozen.
2. Add a layer of mulch
Apply approximately 3 to 4 inches of organic mulch over the root zone. Keep the mulch away from the trunk or main stems.
Mulch helps moderate soil temperature and reduce moisture loss. It can also reduce damage from repeated freezing and thawing.
Do not create a tall mound directly against the plant. Leave a small open area around the base.
3. Remove damaged branches
Before wrapping, remove dead or damaged branches with clean pruning tools. Avoid heavy pruning late in the season, particularly on evergreen shrubs.
Late-season pruning can encourage new growth that may not harden before winter. Keep the preparation simple and remove only what is necessary.
4. Tie branches gently if needed
For upright shrubs or plants that may collect heavy snow, gently bring the branches together with soft garden twine.
Do not tie branches tightly. The goal is to reduce spreading and breakage, not to compress the plant.
5. Start at the bottom
When using Shrub Wrap, begin at the bottom of the shrub.
Wrap upward in a loose spiral. Allow the material to overlap by about half its width. This helps eliminate open gaps while keeping the installation stable.
The product instructions recommend continuing upward until the shrub is covered, then cutting the netting and tucking or tying off the loose end.
6. Keep the wrap secure
Check the bottom and top of the wrap after installation. Wind can lift loose material and create openings for deer.
Use appropriate ties, Fabric Staples, or other fasteners where needed. Do not use fasteners that cut into branches or bark.
For a framed installation, place three or four stakes around the shrub. Keep the stakes several inches away from the outer branches. Attach the netting to the stakes and close the bottom around the mulch line.
HOW TO USE DEER NETTING FOR SHRUBS
Deer netting for shrubs should form a complete barrier around the plant.
A loose sheet draped over the top may help with browsing, but deer can sometimes reach through openings or push underneath the material. Secure the edges and check the installation after strong wind or snow.
For individual shrubs:
- Place stakes around the plant.
- Leave space between the foliage and the netting.
- Pull the netting moderately taut.
- Secure it to each stake.
- Close gaps at the base.
- Add a top section if deer can reach over the sides.
- Inspect the barrier regularly.
American Nettings’ Netting Clips can help join or secure netting sections. Poly Line can also provide support along the top of a larger garden enclosure.
For a full garden area, use posts and support lines to create a stable fence. The company’s product guidance recommends post spacing not exceeding 12 feet for Deer & Bird Netting.
A physical barrier is usually more dependable than relying only on deer repellents. In areas with severe deer pressure, use a taller, stronger fence and follow local recommendations for safe installation.
BURLAP SCREEN OR NETTING WRAP?
Burlap and netting serve slightly different purposes.
A burlap screen is useful for blocking winter wind and bright sun from exposed evergreen foliage. It should usually be installed on the windward or sunny side of the plant, rather than wrapped tightly around the foliage.
A netting wrap is useful for:
- Holding branches together
- Reducing snow breakage
- Creating a deer barrier
- Protecting shrubs and small trees
- Providing a lightweight seasonal cover
For a sensitive evergreen, use stakes to keep the protective material away from the foliage. Leave the top open when possible so the plant receives air and light.
Do not use airtight plastic sheeting as a shrub wrap. Plastic can trap moisture, increase heat on sunny days, and reduce air circulation.
WHEN TO INSTALL AND REMOVE WINTER WRAP
Install winter protection in late fall, after the plant has begun to harden off and before severe weather arrives. The exact timing depends on your climate, but the wrap should be in place before repeated deep freezes, heavy snow, or winter deer pressure.
Check the plant after:
- Strong wind
- Heavy snow
- Freezing rain
- Rapid temperature changes
- Deer activity
Adjust the material if it is rubbing against branches, pressing heavily on the plant, or creating an opening at the base.
Remove or open the protection in early spring once severe freezing weather has passed. Leaving a wrap in place too long can reduce light and air movement and may cause the plant to begin growing under cover.
FIND THE RIGHT SIZE FOR YOUR SHRUBS
The best material depends on the plant size, deer pressure, exposure, and expected snow load.
American Nettings & Fabric offers sizes ranging from retail packages to commercial rolls. Products are available for homeowners, landscapers, nurseries, farms, orchards, and vineyards.
Our team can help you compare:
- Shrub Wrap
- Deer & Bird Netting
- Deer & Poultry Fencing
- Natural Burlap
- Crop Cover
- Heavy-duty deer fencing
- Netting clips and support accessories
With American-made quality, practical product knowledge, and four decades of experience, American Nettings & Fabric helps you select a solution suited to your plants and property.
Protect your shrubs before winter arrives. Shop shrub wrap and deer netting or contact American Nettings for product guidance.
FURTHER WINTER-CARE GUIDANCE
For additional plant-care information, review: