Madison County Democrat

Forester Advises Use Of Burlap To Protect New Tree

COLUMBUS—Many spring-transplanted young trees are needlessly lost for lack of protection from the hot summer sun, says F. W. Dean, Ohio State University forester.

A small tree set in a new location where the sun beats on part of its bark has not had a chance to harden itself to the hot glare. Dean points out. He suggests a method to save the bark of such trees from killing burn.

This is to wrap the trunk with strips of burlap several inches wide, wound in a spiral beginning either, at the top or the bottom and wrapped just tight enough to hold them in place. The ends can be secured with string or light twine. Both burlap and string should last until the tree develops sufficient foliage to provide its own protection. This practice provides the tree not only with protection from the sun but also from insect attacks, especially wood-borers.

Young trees normally develop shoots along the trunk. It is good practice, Dean says, to allow these to grow, at least until the heavier top foliage develops.

These shoots protect the bark and help the trunk develop a sturdier base that does not taper too quickly at the top.