Trees purchased from nurseries are often prepared using the “balled-and-burlapped” (B&B) method. This involves digging the tree with its root system intact and wrapping the heavy soil mass in burlap and twine. This temporary wrapping protects the roots from damage and dehydration during transport. Because digging severs a significant portion of the root system, the materials used to secure the root ball, including the burlap and any wire cage, must be addressed correctly during planting to ensure the tree’s survival.
Preparing the Planting Hole and Positioning the Tree
The first step is preparing the correct size hole for the tree’s root ball. The hole should be dug only as deep as the height of the root ball, but it must be two to three times the root ball’s width. Digging to the correct depth prevents the tree from settling too deeply after planting, which can suffocate the roots.
The tree must be positioned so the root flare—the natural widening of the trunk where it meets the roots—is level with or slightly above the surrounding grade. Planting the tree too deep is a common cause of tree failure. The intact, wrapped root ball should be carefully placed into the center of the hole before any packaging materials are removed. This ensures the soil mass remains stable and prevents the root ball from crumbling, which causes transplant shock.
Removing Burlap and Twine
A portion of the burlap must be removed, though the exact amount depends on the material. Once the B&B root ball is stable in the planting hole, all twine, ropes, or staples securing the burlap around the trunk must be cut and removed immediately. Leaving these materials can lead to girdling, constricting the trunk as the tree grows and cutting off the flow of water and nutrients.
Even if the burlap is made of natural fibers that decompose, the top third to one-half of the material should be cut away from the root ball. Dry burlap, including natural jute, can act like a wick and draw moisture away, leading to dehydration. Burlap made of synthetic material or treated with preservatives will not break down and must be removed completely to allow roots to grow outward. If complete removal risks the root ball falling apart, the top section must still be removed, and the remaining material should be slashed repeatedly to create openings for root growth.
Addressing the Wire Basket
Larger B&B trees often include a wire basket for added stability during handling and transport. Although the basket keeps the soil mass intact until planting, the top section must be removed to prevent future problems. The wire can restrict the expansion of the trunk and upper anchoring roots, causing girdling that slowly starves the tree.
Using bolt cutters, at least the top one-third of the wire basket must be cut and pulled away from the root ball. This involves removing the top two or three rings, especially those closest to the trunk flare. While the bottom portion may remain to maintain integrity, removing the top minimizes the risk of long-term girdling damage to actively growing roots. Once all visible materials are cut and removed, the planting hole can be gently backfilled with the original soil, ensuring no air pockets remain.