Why would anyone plant an evergreen and then swaddle it in burlap for the winter? Sure, the burlap protects the plant. But the nice thing about evergreens is that they are “ever green” — in winter as well as summer, spring, and fall.

There’s not much use to an evergreen that is deprived of its greenery in winter, when it’s so welcome.

If fear of winter cold is what drives you to swaddle your evergreens, instead plant species or varieties known to thwart the cold. For instance, Korean boxwoods and their hybrids are cold-hardy where most other boxwoods are not.

P.J.M. hybrid rhododendrons and rhododendrons such as Ramapo, Mist Maiden, or Yaku Angel exit winter green and lush when leaves of other varieties droop and brown with telltale signs of cold damage. Shop around for the right evergreen before you plant.

Leaves drying out is as much a threat to evergreens in winter as is cold. And this is another reason for the burlap. Problems arise because the roots find it difficult to draw water from frozen soil. All the while, though, the leaves are more or less active and losing water. The problem is compounded when sunlight reflected off snow increases water loss through the leaves. Instead of using burlap, though, site the plant correctly, away from the intense sun of south-facing walls.

Protection from wind also cuts down on water loss. No, we’re not back to burlap; instead, choose locations sheltered from excessive wind by walls, woods, and fences. There’s no need to press evergreens right up against such surfaces because protection from any windbreak extends along the ground about 10 times its height.

Also make sure the ground is moist going into winter. Give your plants extra water if autumn weather is dry.

Planting an evergreen and then swaddling it in burlap for the winter will help protect the plant against the cold, but it's not very attractive. Instead, try planting species or varieties known to handle the cold weather.

Anti-transpirant sprays (such as WiltPruf) coat leaves with a thin film, also helping retard water loss. Use such sprays on less-than-perfect evergreens at less-than-perfect sites, and apply them when temperatures are above 50 degrees.

One of the best things you can do for your evergreens is to pile leaves, straw or some other mulch a few inches deep on the ground beneath the plant to limit frost penetration. Leave the mulch in place year-round, replenishing it as needed. Your plants will love it, and it’s a lot prettier under the plant than burlap is around the plant.