Can I Leave the Burlap On When Planting a Tree?

When it comes to planting a tree, it's important to make sure that you give it the best possible chance of survival. There are a lot of factors to consider when planting a tree, including soil conditions, watering schedules, and more. One question that often arises is whether or not you can leave the burlap on when planting a tree.

The Short Answer

The short answer is that it depends on the type of burlap that you're dealing with. If you're dealing with natural, biodegradable burlap, then you can leave it on when planting your tree. However, if you're dealing with synthetic burlap, then you should remove it before planting.

Natural Burlap vs. Synthetic Burlap

Natural burlap is made from jute, a plant fiber that is completely biodegradable. This means that it will break down naturally over time and won't harm the tree or the environment. Because of this, you can leave natural burlap on when planting your tree.

However, synthetic burlap is made from plastic fibers that are not biodegradable. This means that if you leave synthetic burlap on your tree, it will not break down over time and can actually harm the tree. Synthetic burlap can prevent the roots from growing properly and can also restrict the tree's access to water and nutrients.

Removing Burlap

If you're dealing with synthetic burlap, it's important to remove it before planting your tree. This can be done by cutting it away from the roots with a pair of scissors. If the burlap is wrapped tightly around the roots, you can also use a knife or garden shears to carefully cut it away.

It's also worth noting that if you're dealing with natural burlap, it's still a good idea to remove it if it's restricting the tree's growth in any way. This can be done in the same way as removing synthetic burlap, by cutting it away from the roots.

Conclusion

When it comes to planting a tree, it's important to give it the best possible start in life. This means making sure that it has access to water, nutrients, and plenty of room to grow. If you're using burlap to help transplant your tree, it's important to make sure that you're using natural, biodegradable burlap. If you're using synthetic burlap, it's important to remove it before planting your tree to avoid restricting growth and harming the tree.