No, you should generally remove the burlap when planting a tree. While it might seem convenient to leave it, removing burlap—especially treated or synthetic types—is a critical step to ensure your tree establishes successfully and thrives long-term.
Why Burlap Should Be Removed
Most burlap encountered today, particularly the treated or synthetic varieties used in nurseries, does not decompose quickly. If left on the root ball, it can pose significant problems for your tree over time:
- Slow Decay: Treated burlap, the kind you're most likely to encounter, will not decay quickly and can take decades to break down in the soil. This extended presence means it can continue to interfere with root growth long after planting.
- Root Constriction and Damage: As tree roots grow and expand in diameter, they can become constricted by the burlap. Even if roots manage to grow through the material, the pressure from the surrounding burlap can damage them, leading to girdling roots or hindering proper nutrient and water uptake.
- Impeded Establishment: Burlap acts as a barrier, making it harder for the tree's roots to grow out into the surrounding soil. This can delay the tree's establishment and lead to a less stable root system.
Types of Burlap and Their Impact
Understanding the different types of burlap can help clarify why removal is crucial:
| Burlap Type | Characteristics | Decomposition Rate | Impact on Roots | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Treated Burlap | Often dark green or black, chemically treated. | Very slow (decades) | Constriction, girdling, and damage as roots thicken. | Remove all |
| Synthetic Burlap | Plastic-based, often looks like woven fabric. | Extremely slow | Permanent barrier, severe constriction, no decay. | Remove all |
| Natural Burlap | Untreated, biodegradable jute or natural fibers. | Slow to moderate | Can wick moisture away, may still restrict initial growth. | Remove as much as possible, especially from the top. |
Even natural burlap, which eventually degrades, can wick moisture away from the root ball, causing it to dry out, or still act as a temporary barrier to root expansion. For optimal growth, removing as much as possible is the best practice.
How to Properly Remove Burlap During Planting
Follow these steps for successful burlap removal:
- Prepare the Planting Hole: Dig a hole that is two to three times wider than the root ball, but only as deep as the root ball, ensuring the root collar (where the trunk flares out) will be at or slightly above ground level.
- Position the Tree: Carefully place the tree in the center of the planting hole. Ensure the tree is upright and at the correct depth.
- Remove Top Burlap and Fasteners: Once the tree is in the hole, cut and remove any twine, wire baskets, or nails that secure the burlap. Then, peel back and remove all the burlap from the top and sides of the root ball. For larger trees or heavier root balls, it might not be feasible to remove the entire bottom portion of the burlap without disturbing the root ball too much, but always remove everything possible, especially from the top and upper sides.
- Check the Root Collar: Ensure the root collar is visible and not buried. If it is, gently remove excess soil from the top of the root ball.
- Backfill and Water: Backfill the hole with the original soil, gently tamping it to remove large air pockets. Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.
By taking the time to properly remove the burlap, you give your newly planted tree the best chance to establish a strong, healthy root system and thrive for years to come. For more detailed tree planting instructions, you can refer to reliable arboriculture guides.
