Michigan winters have a way of testing everything in a yard. One day it feels like fall and the next morning everything is frozen solid. Trees, shrubs, and fruit trees go through a lot during those long cold months. A little prep in late fall protects your landscape, reduces stress on the plants, and helps everything wake up stronger in spring.
Plants spend the warm months growing. Once winter arrives the job shifts from growing to surviving. Young ornamentals and fruit trees feel it the most. Winter prep keeps bark from cracking, roots from getting shocked, and branches from breaking under heavy snow.
Caring for Trees Before the Freeze
Give your trees a slow deep watering before the ground locks up. Hydrated roots handle winter better. Add a fresh layer of mulch to insulate the root zone but keep it a few inches away from the trunk.
Young maples, fruit trees, and thin bark varieties benefit from trunk wraps. Michigan’s sun can warm the bark during the day and freezing temps hit it again at night. That rapid swing is what causes bark to split. A simple wrap prevents that.
The Best Way to Wrap Your Trees
Choose a breathable commercial tree wrap. Avoid plastic because it holds moisture against the bark. Wrap from the bottom up in smooth overlapping layers. Stop at the lowest branches and secure the wrap with fabric ties or twine. Put wraps on in late fall once it is regularly cold and take them off in early spring.
Evergreens like arborvitae and boxwood can lose moisture all winter. They stay green which means they continue to release water even when the ground is frozen. They need help staying protected from wind burn and freeze burn. Deciduous shrubs benefit from mulch and a deep watering before the freeze as well.
The Best Way to Wrap Shrubs/Bushes
Shrubs do best with a gentle protective cover rather than a tight wrap. A loose burlap works well. Drape burlap around it and secure with twine. If you want more air circulation, surround the bush with stakes that are taller than the bush. Then wrap the burlap around the stakes and tie it with twine like a tent. This keeps the burlap off the foliage so air can circulate while giving the plant shelter from cold wind and winter sun. For tall flexible shrubs you can also tie the branches inward so snow does not push them open.
The Best Way To Wrap Fruit Trees For Winter
Fruit trees need a little more attention because they feel every swing in temperature. That means they are quick to suffer burns and splitting if they are not protected. Use a breathable trunk wrap to prevent bark damage. Mulch the base for root insulation and remove any fallen fruit and leaves to reduce pests. Prune out damaged or crossing branches before winter hits.
Snow is both a friend and a headache. A soft layer insulates the soil. Heavy wet snow can snap branches. If you shake snow off shrubs, do it gently. Never remove ice because it can damage the plant! Keep an eye on areas where plows create large piles.
Your prep is also a chance to rethink what struggled through the growing season. Strong fall prep leads to healthier plants, fewer surprises, and a better start once the thaw finally arrives. Winterizing Michigan landscapes has never been easier.
