How tall do they get? One of the big box stores near me sells a metal fence that you put together with what are essentially long metal dowels (2) or just hook together and have stakes that help hold them in place(1). They refer to them as no-dig fences. You could fold them flat and store for the summer if you have a space for that.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/No-Dig-Actual-3-7-ft-x-3-ft-2-Pack-Black-Powder-coated-Steel-Decorative-Fence-Panel/3464104

https://www.lowes.com/pd/No-Dig-Actual-3-4-ft-x-4-1-ft-Grand-Empire-Powder-Coated-Steel-Decorative-Fence-Panel/3028522

Self-supporting when in a ring, but not so ornamental would be a large ring of welded wire fencing, either coated like this one or galvanized. They are available in different sized mesh and heights. I use this material for compost piles.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Garden-Zone-Actual-50-ft-x-4-ft-Green-PVC-Coated-Steel-Welded-Wire-Rolled-Fencing/1000367327

NHBabs..I never acted on any of these ideas but I considered deer fencing..chicken wire..cattle panels?think they're called..lattice..and the system you suggested!..great minds think alike haha..a good idea and attractive..the hyds aren't tall yet..but this year some stems were sticking out above the leaves - which defeats the purpose of winter protection..I put a McDonald's styrofoam cup on them..I'll take measurements and price it out..thanks

hyed..it's true macs are a pain in the #$%..but I'm intrigued by the challenge and I'm just stubborn enough to keep fighting haha..I do have lots of paniculatas and arborescens..my shade doesn't help the paniculatas..but my Annabelles are pretty..as you said I'm "playing around" with macs in retirement as long as my husband will help me..

NW. Couple of tree stakes, some chicken wire, and you can fill it up to with leaves to your hearts delight - assuming, it's not visible by the front of the yard.

a1an..chicken wire seems to be the most popular method..it's somewhat visible from the front but my neighbors don't seem to mind..bothers ME more than them..

Spring project then before summer kicks in. How about buying some Burlap and dying it green, or blue, or purple. Whatever the heart fancies. I burlap ours but I have a privacy hedge flanking us. At least you're ahead of the curve on your leaf compost

I did think about burlap..and clear plastic wrap..have you seen that method?..you get a box of plastic wrap and wind it around and around from the bottom to the top..then fill with leaves..I do have plenty of leaves..

You still want it to breath....

Saran wrap is just weird.... Might trap in too much heat on a sunny day.....when you want it to sleep. Staple gun, wood, burlap. I like it better then chicken wire as storage is alot more minimalistic.

I should no be doling out over-wintering advice as I'm guilty of making a roof for my beloved boxwoods - as I would hate to lose one to snow splaying. Have lost some big beauties due to snow over the years and after losing a particular one, it broke the camels back so I go a bit overboard ...