Do You Take Burlap off Tree Before Planting?

Planting a tree is a rewarding experience. It not only adds beauty to your yard but also provides shade, fresh air, and a habitat for wildlife. When planting a tree, many homeowners often wonder if they should take the burlap off the root ball before planting. In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of leaving the burlap on or taking it off.

Pros of Leaving the Burlap on

Leaving the burlap on the root ball has some advantages. First, burlap helps hold the root ball together during transportation and handling. This reduces the risk of damage to the roots, which can lead to poor growth or death of the tree. Second, burlap helps retain moisture around the root ball. This can be especially important during the early stages of tree establishment when the tree is most vulnerable to drought stress.

Cons of Leaving the Burlap on

However, leaving the burlap on the root ball can have some disadvantages. The burlap may not break down over time and may act as a barrier to root growth. This can result in a smaller root system and slower growth of the tree. In addition, the burlap may contain synthetic material, which can leach chemicals into the soil and harm the tree.

Pros of Taking the Burlap off

Taking the burlap off the root ball has some advantages as well. First, it removes any potential barrier to root growth. This allows the tree to establish a larger root system and grow faster. Second, it eliminates any synthetic material that may be in the burlap, reducing the risk of chemical toxicity. Third, it allows the roots to expand and anchor more firmly into the soil.

Cons of Taking the Burlap off

However, taking the burlap off the root ball may have some disadvantages. First, it can be difficult to remove the burlap without damaging the roots. This can lead to poor growth or death of the tree. Second, removing the burlap can disturb the root ball and interrupt the soil around it, making it more difficult for the tree to establish itself. Third, removing the burlap can cause the root ball to fall apart, which can be messy and make it difficult to plant the tree.

Conclusion

So, do you take burlap off tree before planting? The answer is: it depends. If the burlap is made of natural materials and is likely to break down over time, leaving it on may be a good option. But if the burlap is made of synthetic materials or is not likely to break down, it may be best to take it off. Ultimately, the decision should be based on the specific circumstances of the tree and the location in which it will be planted. Consulting with a professional arborist or landscaper can help ensure that the tree is planted correctly and has the best chance of a healthy and long life.