Do You Plant Trees with Burlap?

Planting trees is an excellent way to help our planet feel some relief from the damage caused by human activities. If you want to plant trees, you might have heard about the use of burlap. Many gardeners and arborists use burlap to wrap around a tree's trunk or root ball, but it's not a requirement for planting trees. So, do you plant trees with burlap? The following information can help you decide whether or not to use burlap during tree planting.

What is Burlap?

Burlap is a coarse, woven fabric made from jute fibers. It's a natural material that is breathable and biodegradable, making it an excellent choice for environmentally conscious gardeners. When used in tree planting, burlap is usually wrapped around the tree's root ball, helping to hold the soil together during transport and planting. The burlap will eventually decompose, allowing the tree's roots to spread and establish in the soil.

The Pros of Burlap Use in Tree Planting

Many people choose to use burlap when planting trees for several reasons. Here are some of the benefits of using burlap:

Protecting Roots: Burlap is wrapped around the root ball of a tree for protection. It helps to keep the roots together during transport, reducing the chances of significant injury or death to the tree.

Moisture Retention: Burlap can hold onto moisture, which can be beneficial for the tree during the transplant process.

Erosion Control: Burlap can prevent soil erosion, a common problem during heavy rainfall.

Biodegradable Material: As mentioned earlier, burlap is biodegradable, which means it breaks down and eventually composts, increasing soil health.

The Cons of Burlap Use in Tree Planting

While burlap offers benefits, it's not always the ideal choice for planting trees. Here are some of the disadvantages of using burlap:

Cutting Root Growth: While the burlap will eventually decompose, it can take some time. In the meantime, the roots are still in contact with the burlap, and if not removed during planting, can cause root girdling, stunting or killing the root system

Costly: Burlap is more expensive than other alternatives such as biodegradable paper or no wrapping.

Inconvenient: Removing burlap from the root ball can be labor-intensive and time-consuming. This inconvenience could lead to people not removing the material, the plants growing improperly as a result.

Safety Hazard: When it's not removed promptly, burlap can pose a risk to animals and humans, with them becoming tangled and grudled in it.

Conclusion

So, do you plant trees with burlap? The answer is that it depends on individual circumstances. Burlap offers some benefits, but it also has its downsides. Consider your planting goals, your budget, and the overall impact of burlap for your planting project. Be sure to properly remove the burlap from the tree and take care not to harm the root system when doing so. With informed decisions, we can help grow a healthier planet through successful tree planting.