The number of stakes you need will vary depending on the size of the area you need to protect. If you have a long line of trees, you’ll need several. If you only have a few trees, 3-4 stakes will work just fine. The height of the stakes doesn’t need to be precise. A good guideline is that they should be a few feet high. You’re just trying to create a windbreak, not cover the entire tree. Place the stakes several feet apart from each other. You don’t have to measure a precise distance. Pound the stakes far enough into the ground that they don’t wobble. Several inches deep should do it. You can order stakes online, make your own, or buy them at any box store that has a garden center.
Basically, you’re making a kind of fence to protect your trees. Wrap the material around your last stake and secure it with staples or tie it on with twine or wire. Small trees can also be wrapped with a clear tarp to let the sun through and to also keep it warm. Ask a store employee for help if you’re not sure what kind of material or how much to buy. They can be a great resource for you if you haven’t done this before.
If you need to use a ladder, ask a friend to help you out. They can keep the ladder steady for you and hand you material as needed.
If you don’t have access to pine boughs or Evergreen branches, that’s okay. It’s an added layer protection, but it’s not essential.
When you do this depends on where you live. If you have questions, you can reach out to the extension of a local university to talk to an expert. They’ll likely be happy to help you out.
If this isn’t an option for you, cover your plants to keep them safe outside.
Just use your best judgment about how many branches to tie together. Generally, you can make a small bundle of 3-4.
You can purchase mulch or just gather some materials from your yard. Whatever works best for you is totally fine.
The cage should be tall enough to cover your entire tree. Once you place the cage over the tree, fill it with dried leaves or straw. Place these materials gently in the cage so that you don’t accidentally break any branches.
Gently secure the bottom of the plastic with a piece of string or twine.
Make sure that spring has truly arrived before you do this. If you think there might be another frost, keep your tree wrapped until you feel confident that the warmer weather is there to stay.
Planting your arborvitae so that buildings or trees provide shade is also a great way to protect them from strong winds. It’s an added bonus!
Apply a few inches of loose mulch around the base of your trees. Wood chips or leaf compost are great choices for your mulch.
Check with a local expert or employee at your garden center if you have specific questions about your region. Don’t be ashamed to ask! Caring for trees is definitely a learning process.
