Remove the burlap before planting, or your tree may never establish roots properly
Yes, you should remove the burlap completely before planting. Burlap is a temporary wrapping used only to hold soil around the root ball during transport and storage at the nursery. Once you plant the tree, burlap blocks water and air from reaching the roots, and it does not break down fast enough to matter—even "biodegradable" burlap can take years to decompose. Roots that cannot access water and oxygen will circle the root ball instead of spreading into the surrounding soil, leaving your tree weak and vulnerable to drought, wind, and disease.
The only exception is if the burlap is synthetic (plastic-coated or non-woven), which will not break down at all. In that case, removal is not optional—it is essential. Even with natural burlap, leaving it in place is one of the most common mistakes homeowners make when planting trees, and it often goes unnoticed until the tree starts to decline years later.
Key Takeaways
- Remove all burlap, twine, and wire from the root ball before placing the tree in the planting hole.
- Burlap blocks water and oxygen from reaching roots, even if it is labeled biodegradable, and roots will circle the root ball instead of spreading outward.
- Synthetic burlap (plastic-coated or non-woven) will never break down and must be removed without exception.
- Gently loosen the root ball with your hands or a garden fork after removing the burlap so roots can spread into the surrounding soil.
How to remove burlap safely without damaging roots
Start by laying the tree on its side or tilting it so you can see the bottom of the root ball. Cut the twine or wire holding the burlap at the top, then peel the burlap away from the sides and bottom. Work slowly—you are not in a hurry, and rushing can tear roots or expose them to air. If the burlap is stuck to the soil, wet it first to make it easier to separate.
Once the burlap is off, look at the root ball surface. If roots are circling tightly around the outside (a sign the tree has been in the pot or wrapped too long), use your fingers or a garden fork to gently loosen and separate them. This is called root pruning, and it encourages roots to grow outward into the new soil instead of continuing to circle. You do not need to be aggressive—just break up the outer inch or two of the root ball so roots can make contact with the surrounding soil.
What happens if you leave burlap on
Roots need oxygen and water to grow. Burlap, even when wet, restricts both. The roots at the edge of the root ball will hit the burlap barrier and, instead of pushing through into the new soil, will turn back and circle the root ball. Over time, this creates a root-bound tree that cannot absorb enough water or nutrients, even though it is planted in open ground.
The problem often takes years to show up. The tree may look fine for the first season or two, then start to decline—leaves thin out, growth slows, or the tree becomes stressed during drought. By then, the roots have already formed a tight spiral that is hard to correct. Removing the burlap takes five minutes; fixing a root-bound tree takes years or may not be possible at all.
Natural versus synthetic burlap
Natural burlap is made from jute fiber and will eventually break down, but "eventually" can mean three to five years or longer, depending on soil moisture and temperature. In dry climates or compacted soil, it may take even longer. During that time, roots are still blocked from spreading.
Synthetic burlap is plastic-coated or made from non-woven polypropylene and will not break down at all. It looks similar to natural burlap but feels stiffer and more plastic-like. If you are unsure, assume it is synthetic and remove it. There is no downside to removing either type, and every reason to do it.
The right way to plant after removing burlap
Once the burlap is off and roots are loosened, dig a hole that is as deep as the root ball and two to three times as wide. Place the tree in the hole so the top of the root ball is level with the ground surface—not buried deeper. Backfill with the soil you removed, water thoroughly to settle it, and add mulch around the base (but not touching the trunk).
The wide, shallow hole is important. It gives roots room to spread sideways into loose soil where they can establish quickly. A deep, narrow hole forces roots downward and can trap water around the base, leading to rot. Water the tree deeply after planting and keep the soil consistently moist (not soggy) for the first growing season while roots are establishing.
Wire baskets and root balls from containers
If your tree came in a wire basket (common for larger specimens), remove the basket entirely. Cut it away with bolt cutters if necessary—do not leave it in the ground hoping it will rust away. Wire takes years to corrode and will girdle roots as they grow.
Trees from containers (plastic pots) should also have the pot removed completely. If the tree is root-bound in the pot, loosen the roots by hand or with a fork before planting, the same way you would after removing burlap. Never plant a tree while it is still in its pot, even if you cut the pot away from the sides—the bottom will still block roots from spreading downward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I just cut the burlap and leave it in the ground?
No. Cutting it does not help—the burlap still blocks roots and water. Roots will still circle the root ball. Remove it completely before planting.
What if the burlap is stuck to the roots?
Wet the root ball thoroughly to soften the burlap, then peel it away gently. If a few fibers remain stuck to roots, that is okay—they will break down or roots will grow past them. The goal is to remove the bulk of the wrapping so water and air can reach the soil.
Is biodegradable burlap different?
Biodegradable burlap breaks down faster than standard burlap, but "faster" still means one to three years. During that time, roots are still restricted. Remove it like any other burlap.
Do I need to loosen the roots if they look healthy?
Yes. Even healthy-looking roots that have been circling in a pot or wrapped ball will continue to circle if you do not loosen them. Gently separate the outer roots so they can spread into the new soil.
What if I already planted a tree with burlap on?
If the tree is still young and not yet established, you can carefully dig it up, remove the burlap, loosen the roots, and replant it. If it is older and the burlap has mostly decomposed, monitor the tree for signs of stress. If growth slows or leaves thin out, the tree may be root-bound and may need professional help.