To the inexperienced gardener or arborist, tree wrap might seem like a foreign tool. After all, not many self-proclaimed “do it yourselfers” have large-scale backyard projects that might mandate the use of tree wrap. That being said, tree wrap like the Dewitt 3-Inch x 100-Foot Tree Wrap on our online gardening supply store is a valuable tool that anyone can consider using in their yards.
But what is tree wrap used for? And how might it be able to help you on your property? Continue reading to learn more about how you can utilize tree wrap products in your next outdoor project.
What Is Tree Wrap?
While the name “tree wrap” pretty much says it all, understanding the composition of tree wrap might help you to be better aware of the invaluable purpose that the product serves. Tree wrap products like our Dewitt 3-Inch x 100-Foot Tree Wrap are used as a protective barrier for the trunk of trees. Covering the bark with a polypropylene fabric allows you to protect the bark of the tree from pests, ware, and the elements while still allowing air to pass through the breathable fabric. You might find tree wrap to be a valuable tool for protecting your trees from:
- Sunscald - Sunscald is damage that refers to when tree bark freezes during cool winter temps, only to have the area temperature rapidly rise — causing visible permanent damage to the bark. Wrapping the tree with tree wrap can minimize the direct heat from the sun that the tree bark experiences, allowing the tree to warm at a rate that won't damage the tree.
- Windburn - If you live in an area that tends to have cold, prolonged winds during the winter months, your trees can experience windburn. Windburn exposure can cause the internal tissue of the bark to evaporate — leaving the bark discolored and unhealthy. Wrapping the tree in tree wrap can act as a wind barrier for the tree, resulting in a slower loss of bark moisture.
- Pests - Most trees in North America are susceptible to pests in some way or another — with most pests attacking the trunk system of younger trees. Applying a tree wrap may not completely solve the pest issue, but it will slow them down enough for you to find a pest control solution.
- Construction/ Landscaping - Just as tree wrap can protect tree trunks from wind, cold temperatures, and pets, it can also protect tree trunks from equipment that is commonly used in construction and landscaping. Rather than having a lawnmower scrape off the protective layer of the bark, the first contact from a mower will instead scape off the layer of applied tree wrap.
How To Apply Tree Wrap
Often times, when you decide to use tree wrap, it is because the tree that you apply it to has some risk of exposure. Whether it be that the tree is susceptible to pest damage and winter damages or if the tree is young or in a construction site, applying the tree wrap correctly is extremely important.
Tools Needed:
- One or more rolls of Dewitt 3-Inch x 100-Foot Tree Wrap
- Scissors or some type of cutting tool
- Thumbtacks (consider using something that will be easy to remove)
When you begin to wrap your tree you want to start by unrolling a small section of the tree wrap and holding it against the base of the tree as you swing it around — overlapping the end of the wrap that you were holding on to the base of the tree. In doing so, you will not need to tack at the bottom end of the material. Next, wrap it around the tree while moving the roll of tree wrap upwards — overlapping the upper edge of the wrap each time with a minimum of ⅓ of the material overlapping.
When you get to the top (right under the branches), you will want to cut the tree wrap and tuck it into itself as you roll up the remaining wrap. Next, take the thumbtacks and tack the top terminus of the wrapping material. And just like that, your tree is protected from winter elements, pests, and construction or landscaping equipment.
When To Remove Tree Wrap
While tree wrap is an incredible tree care tool, it can have negative effects on the tree’s health if it is left on for too long. If you have applied the wrapping material to protect it from winter elements, it is important to remove it as soon as spring rolls around and storming starts to subside. If you have applied the wrap to protect from pests, you can remove the wrap as soon as a pest control solution has been found. Lastly, if you wrapped the tree to protect it from heavy equipment, the wrap can be removed when the project is complete, or when the active part of the job site has moved more than 10 feet from the base of the tree.
Where Can I Find High-Quality Tree Care Products?
If you are looking for tree care products like tree wrap, you are sure to find them on our online store. From budding and grafting tools to, harvesting tools, safety supplies, and any other tree care products, you are sure to find them here at Frostproof Growers Supply. Check out our online store today for other high-quality tree care products.