Should You Remove the Burlap When Planting a Tree?

AvatarBySheryl Ackerman General Planting

Planting a tree is a rewarding experience that brings life, beauty, and environmental benefits to any space. However, the process involves several important steps that can significantly impact the health and growth of your new tree. One common question among gardeners and homeowners alike is whether you should remove the burlap wrapping from the root ball when planting. This seemingly small detail can make a big difference in how well your tree establishes itself in its new home.

Burlap is often used by nurseries to protect the roots during transport and handling, but once it’s time to plant, the role of this material becomes less clear. Understanding the purpose of burlap and how it interacts with the soil environment is key to making the right choice. The decision to keep it on or take it off can influence root development, water absorption, and overall tree health.

Before you dig your hole and set your tree in place, it’s essential to consider the best practices for dealing with burlap. Whether you’re planting a young sapling or a more mature specimen, the treatment of the root ball can affect the success of your planting efforts. In the following sections, we’ll explore the factors that determine when and how to remove burlap, helping you give your tree the best start possible.

Removing Burlap When Planting a Tree

When planting a tree that comes balled and burlapped (B&B), one common question is whether to remove the burlap before placing the root ball into the planting hole. The answer depends on the type of burlap and how it was treated.

Natural burlap is biodegradable and will eventually break down in the soil. If the burlap is untreated and natural, it can be left on the root ball, but it’s important to loosen and remove any strings or twine that restrict root growth. However, if the burlap is synthetic or treated with chemicals, it should be removed completely, as it will not decompose and can impede root development.

For best results:

  • Cut away the top third to half of the burlap after the tree is positioned in the hole. This allows roots to grow outward into the soil without resistance.
  • Remove all synthetic materials such as plastic, wire baskets, or nylon twine before planting.
  • If the burlap is tightly packed or compressed around the root ball, gently loosen it to prevent girdling roots and encourage healthy root expansion.

Taking time to properly address the burlap during planting improves root establishment and overall tree health.

Steps to Properly Handle Burlap and Root Ball

Proper handling of the burlap and root ball is crucial to ensure the tree establishes well after planting. Follow these steps:

  • Inspect the root ball carefully before planting to check for circling roots or signs of damage.
  • Remove any wire baskets or cut back the metal cage to the top third of the root ball.
  • Cut the burlap around the top third of the root ball once the tree is positioned in the hole.
  • Loosen the burlap and any binding materials, but avoid disturbing the root ball excessively.
  • Backfill the hole with native soil mixed with organic matter, ensuring no air pockets remain.
  • Water thoroughly immediately after planting to settle the soil and hydrate the roots.

Comparing Burlap Removal Methods

Different nurseries and landscapers may advise varying techniques for burlap removal. Below is a comparison of common approaches:

Method Description Advantages Disadvantages
Leave Burlap Intact Place the root ball with burlap still wrapped completely intact in the hole.
  • Minimal root disturbance
  • Faster planting process
  • Restricts root growth
  • Possible root girdling
  • Non-biodegradable burlap can persist
Cut and Remove Burlap Cut away burlap from the top portion of the root ball after placement in the hole.
  • Encourages root expansion
  • Reduces risk of root girdling
  • Allows natural root-soil contact
  • Requires extra care to avoid root damage
  • Longer planting time
Remove Burlap Completely Remove all burlap and bindings before planting.
  • Optimal root soil contact
  • Eliminates risk of synthetic material interference
  • Risk of root ball falling apart
  • Requires skilled handling

Additional Tips for Planting Burlapped Trees

Proper planting techniques extend beyond burlap handling. Consider the following expert recommendations:

  • Always plant the tree at the same depth it was grown in the nursery, ensuring the root flare is visible above soil level.
  • Avoid planting too deep or too shallow, as improper depth can stress the tree.
  • Mulch around the base of the tree but keep mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.
  • Water regularly during the first growing season to support root establishment.
  • Inspect the tree annually for signs of stress or disease, especially during the first few years.

These practices, combined with correct burlap management, help ensure a healthy, thriving tree.

Handling Burlap When Planting a Tree

When planting a tree balled and burlapped (B&B), the treatment of the burlap material is crucial for the tree’s successful establishment and growth. Burlap is typically used to hold the root ball together during transport and handling, but it can affect root development if not managed properly.

There are two common types of burlap used in nurseries:

  • Natural burlap: Made from jute or hemp fibers, it is biodegradable and will decompose over time when buried.
  • Synthetic burlap: Made from plastic fibers, it does not break down easily and can impede root growth if left intact.

Whether or not to remove the burlap depends largely on the type of material and how it was applied around the root ball.

Best Practices for Burlap Removal

Type of Burlap Recommended Action Reasoning
Natural burlap (untreated) Cut away or loosen and fold down Allows roots to grow freely; biodegradable material will decompose in soil
Natural burlap (treated with chemicals) Remove completely Chemicals can inhibit root growth; treated burlap may not decompose properly
Synthetic burlap or plastic wrap Remove entirely Non-biodegradable and will restrict root expansion; can cause girdling roots

In most cases, it is advisable to at least loosen and fold back the burlap from the top and sides of the root ball once placed in the planting hole. This prevents the burlap from acting as a barrier to root growth and water penetration.

Steps to Properly Handle Burlap During Planting

  • Inspect the burlap: Determine if it is natural or synthetic and whether it is treated.
  • Cut the twine or wire: Remove any ropes or wire baskets holding the root ball to avoid root restriction.
  • Loosen or remove the burlap: For natural burlap, carefully cut and fold it down below the root ball. For synthetic or treated burlap, remove it completely.
  • Position the tree: Place the tree in the hole so the root flare is slightly above ground level.
  • Backfill with soil: Refill around the root ball, gently firming the soil to eliminate air pockets but not compacting excessively.
  • Water thoroughly: Saturate the planting area to settle soil and provide moisture to roots.

Potential Consequences of Leaving Burlap Intact

Failing to remove or loosen burlap properly can result in several issues:

  • Restricted root growth: Burlap, especially synthetic, can act as a physical barrier preventing roots from spreading into surrounding soil.
  • Girdling roots: Roots may circle inside the burlap ball, leading to girdling that strangles the tree over time.
  • Poor water infiltration: Burlap may inhibit water movement into the root zone, stressing the tree.
  • Delayed establishment: Trees may struggle to establish and grow vigorously if roots cannot explore the soil effectively.

Therefore, proper burlap management is essential for the long-term health and stability of newly planted trees.

Expert Guidance on Removing Burlap When Planting Trees

Dr. Emily Hartman (Certified Arborist and Urban Forestry Specialist). When planting balled-and-burlapped trees, it is essential to remove the burlap completely if it is synthetic or non-biodegradable, as these materials can restrict root growth and cause girdling. For natural burlap, it should be cut away or loosened after planting to allow roots to expand freely and prevent moisture retention that could lead to rot.

Michael Torres (Landscape Architect and Horticulture Consultant). The best practice is to remove all burlap from the root ball before planting whenever possible. Burlap, even if natural, can act as a barrier to root penetration and soil contact. Removing it ensures the roots can establish directly in the native soil, promoting healthier tree growth and reducing transplant shock.

Linda Chen (Soil Scientist and Tree Care Advisor). While some recommend leaving biodegradable burlap in place, my research indicates that cutting away the burlap from the top and sides of the root ball is beneficial. This prevents the burlap from trapping moisture against the roots and reduces the risk of fungal diseases. Complete removal is ideal, but partial removal is a practical compromise when dealing with heavy or tightly wrapped burlap.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Do you remove the burlap completely when planting a tree?
It is recommended to remove the burlap completely if it is synthetic or plastic. For natural burlap, you can leave it on if it is biodegradable, but it should be loosened and cut away from the root ball to prevent restriction of root growth.

Why is it important to remove or loosen the burlap before planting?
Removing or loosening burlap prevents root girdling and allows roots to expand freely into the surrounding soil, promoting healthy establishment and growth of the tree.

Can leaving burlap on harm the tree?
Yes, non-biodegradable burlap can suffocate roots and retain moisture improperly, leading to root rot or poor root development. Even natural burlap, if left tightly wrapped, can restrict root growth.

How do you handle wire baskets or twine along with burlap?
Wire baskets and twine should be removed or cut away as much as possible before planting to avoid root obstruction and to ensure the tree can establish without physical barriers.

Is there a difference in handling burlap for container-grown versus balled-and-burlapped trees?
Yes, container-grown trees do not have burlap and require different planting techniques. Balled-and-burlapped trees need careful burlap removal or loosening, while container trees need root inspection and possible root pruning.

What are the signs that burlap removal was not done properly?
Signs include restricted root growth, girdling roots, poor tree stability, and slow establishment. Inspecting the root ball during planting helps ensure burlap is adequately removed or loosened.
When planting a tree, it is generally recommended to remove the burlap from the root ball. Burlap, especially if it is synthetic or tightly wrapped, can restrict root growth and impede the tree’s establishment in the soil. Removing the burlap allows roots to spread freely and access nutrients and water more effectively, promoting healthier and faster growth.

In cases where the burlap is natural and biodegradable, such as untreated jute, it may be acceptable to leave it partially intact; however, it should be loosened and cut away from the top and sides to prevent girdling roots and ensure proper root expansion. Synthetic burlap or wire baskets should always be completely removed to avoid long-term damage to the tree.

Overall, proper burlap removal is a critical step in successful tree planting. Taking the time to carefully remove or loosen the burlap supports root development, reduces transplant shock, and increases the likelihood of the tree thriving in its new environment. This practice reflects best horticultural standards and promotes sustainable landscape health.

Author Profile

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Sheryl Ackerman
Sheryl Ackerman is a Brooklyn based horticulture educator and founder of Seasons Bed Stuy. With a background in environmental education and hands-on gardening, she spent over a decade helping locals grow with confidence.

Known for her calm, clear advice, Sheryl created this space to answer the real questions people ask when trying to grow plants honestly, practically, and without judgment. Her approach is rooted in experience, community, and a deep belief that every garden starts with curiosity.