planting trees?

Question

Do i need to remove the burlap from the tree when i plant it?

Answer 1

Here are the recommendations of the University of Illinois Extension Service relative to tree planting:

1) Do you need to remove the burlap? Yes and no. The burlap will rot very quickly and the roots will grow right through without any short or long term problems. Now the problem with leaving the burlap on is that, if exposed to air, the burlap will wick moisture out of the root zone and stress your tree. Therefore, the recommendation is that you cut the top 1/3 of the burlap off to prevent this moisture wicking. Cut the burlap off after you have set the tree into the hole. The burlap helps to hold the root ball together.

2) If you tree has a wire basket, should you remove the wire basket? Yes and no. Again, set your tree into the plant hole first. Then cut the sides of the basket off. This prevents any long term damage to your roots since most of these baskets do not rot away very quickly.

Answer 2

You dont have to remove it but you must free the roots from the burlap and from around the base of the tree. Take a knife and slash open the burlap. Make many slices so that the roots will not remain bound in the burlap. Be absolutely certain to open the burlap where it is closed around the base of the tree. If there are any wires or screening with the burlap, remove all of these. The burlap will decompose over time. But time here is the key word. Trees and plants have been dug up that were left with the burlap intact and after 3 to 4 years, the roots were still bound up in the burlap. Slash the burlap in many places, allowing your roots to go free.

Answer 3

you can leave it on ,but it would be best to remove it.the root system will grow faster than the burlap will decompose.

Answer 4

No, you don't need to remove it. It will decay and allow the roots to expand. Good luck.