Are you planting new trees in your yard but aren’t sure how to proceed? You’re probably wondering, “Do you remove burlap when planting trees?”
As the premier tree service in Cornelius, NC, Tree Tech Tree Services can give you all the information you need about tree planting best practices. We’re a comprehensive tree care service that provides effective results for a competitive price.
What Is Burlap?
Burlap is a dense and coarse material woven from sisal leaves or the jute plant. You see it most often used in bags related to gardening or lawn care because it biodegrades quickly and provides an environmentally friendly way to carry materials.
When you purchase a new tree for planting, the roots often come wrapped in burlap. This helps reduce the stress the root ball experiences when transplanting a new tree. Burlap biodegradability makes it an essential component of tree transplanting techniques, but knowing whether to remove it requires you to consider two major factors.
When To Remove Burlap When Planting Trees
According to tree facts given by The Countryside Charity, we need more trees in the world, so using the right techniques when planting them benefits your entire community. Tree experts use the following burlap removal guidelines to determine whether they should utilize planting with burlap-wrapped roots or remove the material first.
Type of Burlap
The major factor you must consider is the type of burlap used to wrap the tree. While natural burlap should biodegrade at the right rate, synthetic burlap won’t degrade, which harms your roots more than helps them. If you have synthetic burlap, you must remove it all before planting the tree.
How do you know what type you have? You can ask your local tree experts, which is always the safer option, or try burning a small corner of it as synthetic burlap won’t burn. Use extreme caution to avoid injuring yourself.
Climate Conditions
If you live in a dry climate with less than 20 inches of rain per year, the burlap won’t properly degrade. This can hinder tree root establishment, so you should remove the burlap to avoid issues.
Best Practices for Planting a Burlap-Wrapped Tree
To plant a tree wrapped in burlap, use the following steps:
- Dig a hole roughly three times the diameter of the root ball. You should make the hole with a depth equal to the height of the ball.
- Remove any protective material around the burlap, but leave the burlap in place even if you plan to remove it.
- Place the tree in the hole so the point where the roots meet the trunk sits at ground level.
- If you’re removing the burlap, cut the strings holding it and any material to the side of the roots.
- Fill the hole and water your tree.
Tree Tech Tree Services Can Plant Trees in Your Yard
Do you remove burlap when planting trees? Now you know the factors you should consider. At Tree Tech Tree Services, our expert arborists can help you plant trees and give them the best chance at thriving.
Contact us by calling (704) 799-5796 to learn more.