Should Balsam Fir Be Wrapped For Winter And If So How

Question From: J. S - East Brunswick, New Jersey, United States
Q: RE : a SIX FOOT TALL baby Balsam Fir. (winter-prep question.)Here in the NorthEast,the nights' temps are starting to dip below freezing,then rebounding to 60's every day. HERE's the REAL QUESTION : I have seen the folks in the Adirondack Mountains of Upstate NY either put up a'wooden snow deflector' or tightly wrap trees and shrubs with burlap or netting. we had a winter last year that produced 18" of snow and i had a" Breathable wall so the tree wouldnt get killed over the winter months. I have removed it, trimmed out dead and it did GREAT this year with new buds popping all over the place on the 12" new top growth ready for spring. Q :: Should i do a protective -type "" Ivnverted 'v-thing'?? Seeing how it is now a little older, does it really need to be protected by wrapping it, or semi-covering it? or leave it alone?? Your past-previous advice has greatly helped this little guy make it through a brutal transplant and this tree is thriving wonderfully !! Your answer is needed and anticipated...THANKS!

A: The protective wall will help protect the tree from winter burn. Tight wrapping is never recommended. If you choose to wrap do it loosely and leave the top open. Much depends on exposure to winter sun and winds. If the tree is not exposed I would not bother. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy