Is Burlap Good for Covering Plants? | The Clear Choice Over Plastic

Yes, burlap is an excellent choice for covering plants in winter and summer because its breathable natural jute weave prevents heat buildup while shielding against frost, wind, and sun scald.

If you’ve ever lost a prized azalea or rhododendron to a surprise freeze, you know the panic of grabbing any cover within reach. Plastic tarps trap heat and moisture, often cooking or suffocating what they’re meant to save. Burlap works differently. Its open weave lets air and water pass through while knocking down 50% to 80% of sunlight and heat radiation. That makes it the go-to material for winterizing broadleaf evergreens and protecting vulnerable plants from summer scorching alike.

Why Burlap Works Better Than Plastic

The difference comes down to breathability. Burlap’s natural jute fibers create a porous fabric that allows airflow and moisture exchange. Plastic, by contrast, seals everything in — when the sun hits a plastic-wrapped plant, temperatures can spike inside the cover, causing foliage to cook or encouraging fungal growth during mild spells.

Burlap also handles freezing conditions more safely. Wet burlap can freeze, which is something to watch for, but it won’t smother foliage the way a frozen plastic sheet will. The fabric is biodegradable too, adding organic matter to the soil as it eventually breaks down.

How to Wrap Plants in Burlap (Without the Common Mistakes)

The right technique matters more than most gardeners realize. Direct contact between burlap and foliage can damage leaves if the fabric gets wet and freezes, so proper staking is essential.

Winter Protection Steps

1. Mulch the root zone first. Apply a thick 4–5 inch layer of mulch around the plant’s base to insulate the ground and hold soil moisture.
2. Set up stakes. Drive three or four wooden stakes into the ground around the plant, leaving a few inches of space between the stakes and the foliage.
3. Wrap the plant. Use 6.5 oz or heavier burlap, wrapping it around the stakes and plant 2–3 times. Leave about 5 inches of material on the ground to block wind, and cover the top completely.
4. Secure it. Tie with twine in a spiral from bottom to top and back down, or staple the burlap to the stakes for long-term protection. Use landscape pins if laying it as ground cover.
5. Remove when weather permits. Take the burlap off as soon as temperatures moderate. Leave the stakes in place for the next cold snap and remove them only after freezing weather has passed in spring.

What to Avoid

• Direct foliage contact: Always use stakes to keep burlap off the leaves. Wet fabric that freezes against foliage can cause serious damage.
• Over-tightening: Wrapping too tightly risks crushing branches and leaves.
• Premature removal: Removing burlap too early in spring exposes plants to sudden temperature swings.
• Neglecting the base: Covering only above-ground parts while skipping the root zone leaves the plant vulnerable where it matters most.

What Burlap Can and Cannot Protect

Burlap excels on broadleaf evergreens like azaleas, camellias, and rhododendrons during winter. It also protects potted plants, which need extra attention — their roots are more exposed to cold, so multiple layers of burlap wrapped around the container itself help. For summer use, it works as an effective shade cloth for vegetables like sweet peppers and tomatoes that are prone to sun scald, and for seedlings that need a gentle light filter.

But burlap has limits. It won’t save plants that cannot survive below freezing in the first place. Fuchsia and lemon trees, for example, must come indoors during winter — wrapping them in burlap outdoors is ineffective. In mild climates where winter brings only occasional light frost, a good layer of mulch may be all the protection your plants need, making burlap an emergency option for unexpected temperature dips.

How to Pick the Right Burlap for Your Plants

For potted plants specifically, you need burlap that fits around both the foliage and the container to insulate the roots. Our tested roundup of the best burlap for potted plants breaks down the top options by weight, size, and value — so you can grab the right roll or bag without guesswork.