Should I Remove Burlap Before Planting Trees?
Burlap protects tree roots from drying out until the tree can be planted. Burlap helps hold the root and soil of the rootball together. When planting a tree with burlap around its roots, a portion of the burlap must be removed to allow surface moisture penetration and to avoid root or trunk strangulation. Synthetic and green treated burlaps must be removed as much as possible to avoid hindering root growth. If the tree's rootball has wire or string holding the burlap in place, this too must be removed. Does this Spark an idea?
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Burlap
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Untreated, treated and synthetic burlaps are the three kinds used to wrap tree root balls. Burlap is a woven cloth made from natural or synthetic fibers. Untreated burlap decomposes naturally, while treated and synthetics may take years to break up and decompose. Burlap allows tree growers to ship trees to nurseries for resale without causing major damage to the tree's root ball.
To Remove or Not
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If the burlap's main purpose is to protect the roots of the root ball from getting damaged or drying out, 2/3 of the burlap needs to stay on the root ball to serve this purpose. Removing the top portion of the burlap ensures proper amounts of moisture get to the root system. Treated and synthetic burlaps should be removed as much as possible, because they don't decompose like natural burlap fibers do. The portion of the burlap at the very bottom of the root ball can be left in tact to keep soil from falling away from the root system, regardless of burlap type.
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Understanding Burlap Installation
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Burlap is wrapped around a tree's root ball as soon as the tree is pulled from the soil. A bit of string is used to tie the loose ends of the burlap around the trunk of the tree. The root ball is then placed in a wire basket, and this basket is fixed so it won't come off. The basket adds the structural support needed to keep the burlap, soil and roots together.
Removal of the Burlap
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Dig a hole three times bigger than the tree's root ball. Dig the hole deep enough to cover all of the roots of the tree. Set the tree down in the center of the hole. With a pair of wire cutters, remove as much of the wire basket as possible. Cut the tie string holding the burlap ends around the base of the tree's trunk with a pair of scissors. Cut away 2/3 of the burlap from the top down. Avoid cutting the roots while doing this. Pick up the pieces of wires and burlap, and remove them from the area.
Planting the Tree
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Allow the roots to stretch out if they are crammed in. Hold the tree upright, and backfill the hole with the soil previously removed. Tamp the soil down with your feet to stabilize the tree and get out any air pockets. Soak the soil with water, and water the tree with 25 to 35 gallons for the first month. This water will help the roots get established. Don't worry about the burlap left in the hole.
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References
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