When purchasing a larger tree, you will often encounter the “balled-and-burlapped” (B&B) method, where the root system is dug from the ground and wrapped in material for transport. The packaging, which typically includes burlap, twine, and sometimes a wire basket, is designed to keep the heavy soil mass intact, protecting the delicate roots during transit. Once the tree reaches its final planting location, the wrapping and securing materials must be removed or cut away. This practice is necessary to ensure the long-term health and survival of the newly planted tree, as leaving these materials in place prevents proper establishment.
Identifying the Materials: Natural vs. Treated Burlap and Wire
Not all root ball coverings are created equal, and the type of material dictates the removal strategy. True natural burlap is woven from plant fibers like jute or hemp. While it is theoretically biodegradable, its decomposition rate is highly variable in the soil. Factors like soil moisture, temperature, and microbial activity can slow this breakdown process significantly, meaning the material can remain intact for years.
Synthetic or chemically treated burlap, however, will not decompose readily and poses a permanent barrier to root growth and water penetration. Treated burlap often includes preservatives or is made from plasticized materials. Since it is difficult to distinguish a treated natural fiber from a purely synthetic one, all burlap should be treated as a barrier that needs removal. The twine used to secure the burlap is frequently made of synthetic nylon or other slow-degrading materials, and the wire baskets are made of galvanized steel.
Step-by-Step Removal of Burlap and Wire
The removal process begins only after the balled-and-burlapped root ball has been gently placed into the planting hole. Once the tree is positioned correctly, the first step is to cut and remove all ropes, ties, and twine wrapped around the trunk flare or the upper portion of the root ball. These materials must be entirely pulled away because they restrict the trunk and root collar as the tree begins to grow in diameter.
Next, attention must turn to the burlap material itself, which needs to be cut away from the top of the soil ball. Use a sharp utility knife to slice the burlap from the top down and then carefully pull or cut away the material. It is recommended to remove the top one-third to one-half of the burlap covering. Cutting away this upper portion allows the tree’s fine feeder roots to immediately encounter and grow into the surrounding native soil.
If a wire basket is present around the root ball, it is also recommended to remove at least the top section. Use heavy-duty wire cutters to snip the top ring of the wire basket once the tree is in the hole. The cut portion, along with any vertical wires that can be easily reached, should be pulled out and removed. Removing the upper third of the wire basket is the minimum acceptable practice, as it frees the roots that will grow near the soil surface and those that will form the structural root flare.
Why Removal Matters: Preventing Girdling and Water Issues
Leaving non-degradable material around the root ball introduces two serious long-term threats to the tree’s survival: girdling and impaired water dynamics. Girdling occurs when restrictive material, such as synthetic twine or the wire basket, remains tightly bound to the trunk or growing roots. As the tree trunk and roots naturally expand in circumference, the non-stretching material constricts the vascular system, effectively acting as a tourniquet.
This constriction impedes the flow of water, nutrients, and sugars between the canopy and the roots, a process that can slowly starve the tree over many years. Even if the wire basket itself rusts away, the pressure applied by the wire can cause roots to turn and grow in a circular pattern, known as girdling roots. These circling roots will eventually choke the main structural roots or the trunk itself, leading to decline and premature failure.
Burlap left on the root ball can also create significant problems regarding moisture management. In dry conditions, burlap can act as a physical barrier, preventing water from reaching the soil mass inside the ball. Conversely, if the burlap is not fully buried, it can wick moisture away from the root ball’s surface, accelerating drying and stressing the tree during the critical establishment period. Removing the top portion of all materials ensures unimpeded root growth and direct contact between the root ball soil and the surrounding backfill, which is necessary for proper hydration and anchorage.