How to Plant a Tree With Burlap

Burlap is biodegradable, so you don't have to remove it before planting.

If you are buying trees to landscape your home from a gardening supply store or a garden nursery, they may come with the root-ball wrapped in a burlap sack. This is done to keep the roots protected from air exposure until they are sold and planted. While it is recommended that you plant your new trees right away, you can store burlap-wrapped trees in a shady spot for a couple of weeks before planting.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Scissors
• Compost
• Manure

Instructions

1. Measure the circumference and height of the root-ball of your tree and prepare the planting area. Dig a hole that is 6 inches wider than the circumference of the root-ball and as deep as it is tall. While digging the hole, you will inevitably create smooth, sealed walls which won't allow water to get to the roots; use your shovel to break up the walls.

2. Lift your tree by the root-ball, never the trunk, and gently set it down in the center of the hole. Cut the twine and remove the top 1/3 of the burlap from the root-ball. Dump half of the soil you dug up into the hole and lightly pat it down to remove any air pockets. Water thoroughly to saturate the soil.

3. Blend the remaining soil with an equal amount of compost or manure and use the mixture to fill in the rest of the hole. You will have leftover soil; use it for another project or spread it around your lawn. Water the tree again to saturate the blend of soil and compost or manure.

References

• Kids F.A.C.E.: How to Plant a Tree
• University of Maine Cooperative Extension: Selecting, Planting and Caring for Trees and Shrubs in the Maine Landscape