In this video, This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook shares tips and techniques for protecting plants and shrubs. Learn how to make DIY plant covers and see step-by-step instructions below.
Project details
Skill
Cost
Estimated Time
How to Make DIY Plant Covers:
- Use a small-diameter rope to truss-up the plant and reduce its overall size.
- Cut the plywood panels and 2x4 legs to size.
- Connect the 2x4s legs at the top with carriage bolts.
- Attach the plywood panels to the legs with 1¼-inch decking screws.
- Stand the A-frame over the plant, then pound it a 12-inch-long 2x4 stake beside each frame leg.
- Fasten the stakes to the legs with 3-inch decking screws.
- Spread open the legs of a metal-framed fabric plant tent, and set it over the shrub.
- Secure the tent to the ground with plastic tent stakes.
- Protect roses by first trussing them with a thin cord.
- Pound 1-inch-square wooden stakes in the ground all around the rose bushes.
- Staple burlap fabric to the wooden stakes partway around the bushes.
- Cover the base of the rose bushes with a thick layer of dried tree leaves.
- Staple up the last section of the burlap to fully encircle the rose bushes.
Tools
Tools & Materials
- Small sledge hammer
- Drill/driver
- drill bit - 5/16 inch
- Cordless circular saw
- Staple gun
- Utility knife
