Do You Take the Burlap Off When Planting a Tree?
Most tree experts recommend removing the burlap before planting, especially if it is made of synthetic material that won't rot. If you are dealing with natural jute burlap and the root ball is too fragile to unwrap completely, you can leave a small piece at the bottom, but you should still cut away as much as possible. Leaving burlap on can strangle the roots and prevent your tree from growing strong.
Why Is Burlap Used on Tree Root Balls?
Nurseries wrap tree root balls in burlap to keep the soil and roots together during transport. The burlap holds the root ball intact so the tree can survive being dug up, moved, and stored. Without the wrap, the soil would fall apart and the delicate roots would dry out or break.
There are two main types of burlap you will see: natural jute (made from plant fibers) and synthetic burlap (made from plastic or polypropylene). Natural jute will rot in the ground over a season or two, while synthetic burlap can last for years underground. This difference is key when deciding whether to remove it.
What Happens If You Leave Burlap On When Planting?
Leaving burlap on a newly planted tree can cause several problems. The roots need to grow outward into the surrounding soil, but the burlap acts like a barrier. For natural jute, the material eventually rots, but during the first growing season the roots may have trouble pushing through. With synthetic burlap, the roots can become girdled—meaning they circle around inside the wrap and strangle the tree over time.
Another issue is water. Burlap can wick moisture away from the root ball or create a dry pocket around the roots. Even if the burlap is natural, leaving a large amount on top can attract fungus or pests. The safest approach is to always remove as much burlap as you can reach without breaking the root ball apart.
How Can You Tell If the Burlap Is Natural or Synthetic?
You do not need a lab test. Check the burlap with a simple touch and look. Natural jute feels rough, has an earthy smell, and the fibers are loose and hairy. It usually has a brown or tan color. Synthetic burlap feels more like plastic, has a shiny or waxy look, and often has a green, white, or blue color. If you are still unsure, tear a small edge. Natural jute tears easily; synthetic is much harder to rip.
Some growers also use a plastic-coated burlap that looks natural but has a thin plastic layer. This type will not rot either. When in doubt, treat all burlap as synthetic and remove it completely. You can always ask the nursery when you buy the tree.
Should You Remove the Wire Basket Too?
Most balled-and-burlapped trees also come with a wire basket around the root ball. Yes, you should remove the wire basket after the tree is in the hole. Leaving it on can cause the same girdling problems as burlap. Use wire cutters to snip away the basket once the tree is securely placed.
Do not try to pull the basket out before setting the tree in the hole. Lower the tree into the hole first, then cut the wire and remove the pieces. Sometimes you can leave the very bottom of the wire if the root ball is extremely fragile, but always cut the loops around the trunk and the top half of the basket.
Step-by-Step: How to Properly Remove Burlap Before Planting
Follow these steps to plant your tree the right way:
- Dig the hole two to three times wider than the root ball but no deeper than the ball itself. Set the removed soil aside.
- Place the tree in the hole with the burlap still on. Make sure the top of the root ball is level with the ground or slightly above.
- Cut the strings holding the burlap around the trunk. Use a sharp knife or pruners.
- Peel back the burlap from the top. If it is natural jute and very tightly wrapped, you can leave a small amount at the bottom as long as you have removed at least 90% of it.
- Remove the wire basket if present. Cut all vertical wires and take out the pieces.
- Backfill the hole with the original soil. Do not add fertilizer or soil amendments yet.
- Water deeply to settle the soil. Add mulch around the tree but keep it away from the trunk.
Never pull the tree by the trunk to remove burlap – you can damage the roots. Instead, lower the tree and then unwrap.
What Tools Make Removing Burlap Easier?
Having the right tools saves time and prevents damage to the tree. A sharp utility knife or garden knife is essential for cutting burlap and string. Heavy-duty pruning shears or wire cutters help with the wire basket. You also want a pair of tough gardening gloves because burlap can be rough and wire edges are sharp.
For easy removal, consider using a tree planting shovel that is long and narrow to help dig the hole precisely. A garden trowel can also help loosen soil around the root ball.
Check out heavy-duty pruning shears on Amazon – they make cutting wire and thick burlap much simpler.
Find tough gardening gloves on Amazon to protect your hands while working with burlap and wire.
Is It Ever Okay to Leave Burlap On?
In rare situations, you may leave a small amount of natural jute burlap at the bottom of the root ball if removing it would cause the entire ball to fall apart. This is only acceptable when the burlap is pure jute (no plastic) and the root ball is very loose. Even then, you should slash the burlap in several places so roots can escape more easily.
Never leave burlap on the top half of the root ball. That area is where most new roots grow, and a wrap there is a death sentence for the tree. Also, if the burlap is synthetic or coated, you must take it off completely. No exceptions.
Common Mistakes When Planting a Burlap-Wrapped Tree
- Planting too deep – the top of the root ball should be at or above ground level.
- Not cutting the wire basket – the wire can strangle roots as the tree grows.
- Leaving synthetic burlap in the hole – this blocks root growth permanently.
- Removing burlap before placing the tree – the soil can fall off and expose roots.
- Forgetting to water after planting – new trees need deep watering right away.
Quick Reference: Burlap Removal Checklist
| Step | Action | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dig a wide, shallow hole | Do not dig deeper than the root ball |
| 2 | Place tree in hole with burlap on | Check that the tree is straight |
| 3 | Cut strings at the trunk | Use sharp knife or shears |
| 4 | Peel back burlap from top and sides | Remove at least 90% of the wrap |
| 5 | Remove wire basket (if present) | Cut all vertical wires, take pieces out |
| 6 | Backfill with original soil | No amendments needed at planting time |
| 7 | Water deeply and add mulch | Keep mulch away from trunk |
Shop tree planting kits on Amazon – many come with all the tools you need for proper burlap removal.
Remember, the goal is to give the roots the best chance to spread into the surrounding soil. Removing burlap and wire is a small extra step that pays off with a healthier, stronger tree for years to come. When in doubt, always cut it off.