Do You Remove the Burlap When Planting Trees?

If you're planning on planting trees on your property, you may be wondering if you need to remove the burlap from the root ball before planting. The answer is, it depends. Here are a few things to consider when deciding whether or not to remove the burlap:

The Case for Removing Burlap

Many experts recommend removing burlap from the root ball when planting trees. There are a few reasons for this:

Burlap doesn't decompose quickly: Some burlap is made from synthetic materials that can take years to break down. If you leave the burlap on the root ball, it can create a barrier that prevents the roots from spreading and growing properly.

Burlap can hold too much water: When burlap is left on the root ball, it can hold too much water, which can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.

Roots can grow around burlap: If the burlap is left on the root ball, the roots may start growing around the burlap instead of growing out into the surrounding soil. This can inhibit the tree's growth and cause it to become unstable over time.

When to Leave the Burlap

While some experts recommend removing burlap from the root ball, there are some situations where leaving the burlap in place can be beneficial:

The burlap is biodegradable: If the burlap is made from biodegradable materials, it will break down quickly and won't cause any harm to the tree.

The tree is being transplanted: If you're transplanting a tree from one location to another, leaving the burlap on the root ball can help keep the tree's roots intact and reduce transplant shock.

The tree is being planted in a windy area: If your property is located in a windy area, leaving the burlap on the root ball can help keep the tree stable until it puts down roots.

How to Plant a Tree with Burlap

If you decide to leave the burlap on the root ball, there are a few extra steps you should take to ensure the tree gets off to a healthy start:

Remove any twine or wire: Be sure to remove any twine or wire from around the trunk of the tree or the root ball. This can constrict the tree as it grows and cause irreparable damage.

Loosen the burlap: Use scissors or a knife to cut away any excess burlap, and use your fingers to gently loosen the burlap that remains. This will help the roots spread out into the surrounding soil.

Create a wide planting hole: When planting a tree with burlap, it's important to create a wide hole that is at least twice as wide as the root ball. This will give the roots plenty of room to grow and help prevent them from circling around the hole.

Backfill with native soil: As you fill in the hole around the tree, be sure to use native soil. This will help the tree adapt to its surroundings more quickly and reduce the risk of transplant shock.

Water regularly: After planting, be sure to give the tree plenty of water to help it establish its root system. Depending on the size of the tree, you may need to water it every day for the first few weeks.

Conclusion

So, do you remove the burlap when planting trees? The answer is, it depends. While some experts recommend removing the burlap, there are situations where leaving it in place can be beneficial. If you decide to leave the burlap on the root ball, just be sure to follow the extra steps outlined above to give your tree the best possible chance of success.