Last time we checked the Landscaper’s Guide to Planting Trees, we couldn’t find a single paragraph that says that one should plant a tree with the burlap, twine and metal cage left on.
Okay, the guide doesn’t exist (and if it does we don’t have a copy of it here at ADL Landscaping Headquarters), but I think we can all agree that even the most junior of landscapers wouldn’t plant a tree this way.
And this is why we are always so amazed to see landscapers around Vancouver doing it. It’s seen all over the city, where little bits of burlap and twine are sticking out of the ground around poorly planted trees. Is it because they are lazy? Or maybe they’re just short on time?
Either way, it is completely incorrect and if you ask us, totally irresponsible. Why? Because the trees or shrubs will most likely have to be replaced in the near future. So not only are plants being unnecessarily killed, but the client is left with a dead tree in their front yard and a bill for its replacement.
So why is the burlap there in the first place? Essentially, it acts as the packaging for the tree. Essentially, the burlap is there to keep the clay soil around the roots while the plant sits in a field waiting to go to its new home. We remove the burlap, twine and cage to inspect the roots.
Circling, girdling, kinked, and hooked roots will ultimately cause a lower lifespan of your tree. Diseases and insects will eventually take over your tree as it continues to stress itself with root problems. Pruning the problem roots off will save you trouble in the long run and will also stimulate growth of new roots and will help your tree become more established in your soil.
Its a good idea to remove some clay off of the root ball and allow the roots to contact your fresh soil. Leaving the clay fully intact will inhibit root growth as the clay will be much different to your soil and as well the drainage will be far different. Clay holds moisture so roots will have a tendency to stay put and not go searching for water. The burlap should also be removed because more than likely it is wrapped too tightly and too far up the trunk past the root flare. If the burlap is not removed when the tree is planted it will rot at the base of the trunk.
Once your newly purchased tree is in the ground and ready to establish itself make sure to use plenty of water and water regularly for the first year. Add a good layer of mulch around the tree, being sure to leave room around the trunk. Your tree should have a good healthy life if its planted without the packaging from the nursery!
