When you visit Japanese gardens in the wintertime, you may find that there are some pine trees with straw mat wrapped around.
These straw mats are called "Komo Maki", which means "(Straw) Mat Wrap". Because they are only seen during the wintertime, it may seem like they exist to protect the trees from the cold winter weather. However, the role of the Komo is not for protection against the cold weather, but is actually used for protection against insects.
When the weather turns cold, many insects which used to live in the branches will try to hibernate in the ground by passing the trunk of the tree. The upper part of the Komo is tied loosely, while the lower part is tied tightly, so that the insects can be trapped inside the Komo and spend the wintertime here. When spring comes, the Komo is removed from the tree and burnt together with the insects.
