Balled-and-burlapped (B&B) is a traditional method of preparing trees for transport and planting. The tree is dug with a surrounding ball of native soil, which is then tightly wrapped in durable burlap and often secured with a wire basket for stability. The digging process inherently severs a significant portion—sometimes up to 95%—of the tree’s fine, water-absorbing root system. This extensive root loss makes the tree immediately vulnerable to desiccation and transplant shock. Although the burlap protects the remaining roots and soil moisture, prompt planting is highly recommended to minimize stress and maximize the chances of successful re-establishment.
The Critical Time Frame for B&B Trees
The ideal timeframe for planting a B&B tree is immediately upon delivery. Any delay introduces stress, and planting should be completed within a short window, generally no more than one to two weeks. The limited root system must support the tree’s entire canopy, leading to a high risk of water stress if the root ball dries out. Even if the root ball remains moist, severed root tissues consume the tree’s finite reserves of stored carbohydrates necessary for growth. Prolonged storage depletes these energy stores, leaving the tree with less power for new root generation once installed.
The duration the tree can survive outside the soil is heavily influenced by its stage of growth and the current climate. Trees stored during winter dormancy can sometimes be held for weeks or months under professional, controlled conditions. However, an actively growing tree delivered in spring or summer heat is under much greater transpirational demand. This drastically shortens the safe holding time to less than ten days for the average homeowner. Immediate planting remains the safest choice for transplant success.
Optimal Conditions for Temporary Storage
If planting must be postponed, creating optimal temporary storage conditions is necessary. The primary concern is protecting the root ball from heat and desiccation by placing the tree in a cool, fully shaded area. Full shade minimizes solar radiation and significantly reduces the transpiration rate of the foliage, lessening the tree’s water demand. Direct sunlight can rapidly elevate the soil temperature within the ball, potentially damaging the remaining roots.
Wind exposure is another significant threat, as it accelerates moisture loss from both the leaves and the burlap wrapping. If a shaded, sheltered location is unavailable, temporary windbreaks or covering the canopy with a light-colored fabric can help. The tree should be kept upright and handled only by the root ball to prevent soil separation, which could cause the ball to crack and dry out.
Proper moisture management of the root ball is the most involved storage task. The soil within the burlap must be kept consistently moist but never saturated, as waterlogging deprives the roots of oxygen. Slow, deep watering, such as using a drip emitter, ensures water penetrates the entire ball rather than running off the surface. Check the soil moisture by inserting a finger or a moisture meter a few inches into the ball to confirm adequate moisture beneath the surface layer.
To further stabilize moisture and temperature, the root ball should be “heeled-in” by completely surrounding it with a protective material. Materials like mulch, sawdust, compost, or native soil can be mounded up around the sides of the burlap-wrapped ball. This temporary covering acts as an insulating layer, preventing the soil from drying out too quickly and shielding it from drastic temperature swings. This method supports the viability of the remaining root tissues.
Identifying Signs of Storage Stress
A tree held too long will display visual cues indicating a decline in health. The most noticeable sign of stress appears in the foliage, particularly wilting, drooping, or curling leaves, signaling the tree is struggling to absorb enough water. Leaves may also exhibit discoloration, such as premature yellowing (chlorosis) or browning (necrosis) along the edges. Premature leaf drop is a survival mechanism the tree employs to reduce its total leaf surface area and conserve limited water reserves.
Beyond the canopy, the condition of the root ball provides clear evidence of storage problems. If the burlap feels light and the soil crumbles easily, the root ball is excessively dry, and root tissues are likely desiccated. Conversely, an overwatered root ball may feel heavy and saturated, which can lead to root rot. Root rot is often accompanied by a soft, decaying texture and sometimes a foul odor from anaerobic soil conditions.
Signs of severe dehydration can also be observed in the woody tissue, presenting as shriveled or wrinkled bark on smaller branches and twigs. If the tree exhibits significant twig dieback, where branch tips are dead or brittle, the root system is compromised. Identifying these signs of decline means planting must be done immediately as an emergency measure, or the supplier should be contacted.