How to Plant a Tree in Burlap Ball

Planting a new tree in your yard is an excellent way to enhance your property's aesthetics and improve your local environment. It provides you with beauty, shade, and even improved air quality. If you've chosen a tree with a burlap ball for planting, here's what you should do to ensure it thrives:

Step 1: Choose a Suitable Location

Choosing the right location to plant your burlapped tree is critical to its success. Look for a spot with appropriate sunlight and adequate spacing. The soil should also be well-draining to prevent waterlogging, which can cause root rot. When you've found a suitable location, start preparing the soil.

Step 2: Prepare the Soil

You'll need to remove any weeds around the area and loosen the soil to a depth of at least twice the burlap ball's height. If the soil is compacted or clay-like, mix compost or other organic matter into the soil to improve its drainage and nutrient content. Once the soil is prepared, you can start digging.

Step 3: Dig a Hole

Dig a hole that's deep enough to accommodate the entire burlap ball and at least twice its width. Avoid digging the hole too deep to prevent the tree from settling too low. The hole's shape should be wider on the top than at the bottom, allowing the tree's roots to spread out more quickly.

Step 4: Place the Burlap Ball in the Hole

Bring the burlap-wrapped root ball to the hole and position it in the center. Check that the tree is standing straight and that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Never remove the burlap from the root ball, as it holds the soil in place around the roots and helps them establish more quickly.

Step 5: Backfill the Hole

Backfill the hole gently with soil around the burlap ball, tamping it down lightly after each layer. Make sure that you don't bury the trunk, leaving the uppermost part of the root ball exposed. Once you've filled the hole to the top, shape a shallow indentation around the circumference of the planting hole to create a slight basin to collect water.

Step 6: Water and Mulch

After planting the tree, give it a good watering to help it settle in. Water it deeply and frequently, especially during the first few months after planting. Adding a layer of organic mulch around the tree will help keep the roots cool, reduce water evaporation, and prevent competing weeds from growing.

By following these simple steps, you can successfully plant a tree in a burlap ball and give it the best chance of survival. With a little patience and care, you'll soon enjoy the beauty and benefits of your new tree.