How to Remove the Burlap From a Ball & Burlap Tree

A ball and burlap tree is a sapling that has been grown to at least 3 feet in height and is meant to be used for planting. This enables the purchaser to enjoy a mature tree in a much shorter time frame than if a tree was started from a seedling. The surrounding ball of soil that the sapling was grown in must be contained around its root structure when it is sold this way. The ball of soil and roots is contained in a burlap covering that is secured with wire straps to keep everything in place until final planting.

Bolt cutters
Helper (optional)
Utility knife

Instructions

- 1
  Cut the bottom of the wire basket surrounding the burlap covering away from the bottom of the root ball with a pair of bolt cutters. Leave two of the rings of the wire basket in place around the ball to keep the soil and roots in place until the tree is placed in its planting hole.
- 2
  Lift the tree straight up. Use a helper if necessary and lower the tree into the planting hole. Do not drag the tree or the burlap may become dislodged.
- 3
  Position the tree as desired in the hole. Carefully cut the remainder of the wire basket away from the root ball with the bolt cutters without moving the tree to do so. Remove the wire remnants from the planting hole.
- 4
  Cut through the burlap with a utility knife and remove as much of it as possible without disturbing the position of the tree. Note that most of the burlap can be removed this way, with only a small amount still remaining under the ball.
- 5
  Fill the remainder of the planting hole with the soil that was originally removed from the hole.

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