Remove the burlap before planting, or the tree may never establish properly
Yes, you should remove burlap from a tree's root ball before planting it in the ground. Burlap is a temporary wrapping meant to hold soil together during transport and storage—not to stay in the ground. If you leave it on, the burlap breaks down slowly and can girdle roots (squeeze them as they grow), restrict water and nutrient movement into the soil, and prevent roots from spreading outward into the surrounding earth. A tree wrapped in burlap will struggle to anchor itself and may remain stunted or fail to thrive for years.
The only exception is synthetic burlap, which does not decompose. Synthetic burlap should also be removed because it will never break down and will permanently restrict root expansion. If you are unsure whether the wrapping is natural or synthetic, remove it anyway—there is no downside to unwrapping, and the risk of leaving it on is too high.
Key Takeaways
- Natural burlap should be completely removed from the root ball before planting, as it decomposes slowly and can strangle roots as they grow.
- Synthetic burlap must also be removed because it never breaks down and will permanently block root expansion into surrounding soil.
- Cut away burlap with a sharp knife or pruning shears, working around the sides and bottom of the root ball without damaging roots.
- After removing burlap, loosen the outer roots gently with your fingers to encourage them to grow outward into the planting hole.
- If you accidentally plant a tree with burlap on, you can still dig it up and unwrap it within the first year or two before roots are severely restricted.
How to remove burlap safely during planting
Start by placing the tree in the planting hole at the correct depth—the top of the root ball should sit level with the ground surface, not buried. Once the tree is positioned, use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut away the burlap. Begin at the top of the root ball and work your way down the sides, peeling the burlap back as you cut.
Cut away as much burlap as you can reach without disturbing the roots themselves. Pay special attention to the bottom of the root ball—burlap underneath can trap water and prevent roots from reaching the soil below. If the burlap is wrapped tightly and difficult to remove, soak the root ball with water first to soften it and make it easier to peel away. Never yank or pull hard on the burlap, as this can tear roots or shift the tree in the hole.
After removing the burlap, use your fingers to gently loosen the outer roots, especially if they are circling the root ball. Roots that are tightly wound will continue to grow in circles rather than spreading outward, which weakens the tree's stability and water uptake. Loosening them by hand signals to the roots that they can now expand into the surrounding soil.
Why burlap left in the ground causes problems
Natural burlap is made from jute fiber, which breaks down over time—but "over time" can mean two to five years or longer, depending on soil moisture and temperature. During that period, the burlap acts as a barrier. Water has difficulty penetrating it, so the root ball may stay too wet while the surrounding soil stays too dry. Roots cannot cross the burlap to reach the nutrients and water in the larger soil mass around the planting hole.
As the tree grows and roots expand, they press against the burlap. If the burlap has not yet decomposed, it can girdle the roots—essentially strangling them the way a tight rope would. Girdled roots cannot transport water and nutrients efficiently, and the tree weakens over time. In severe cases, girdled roots can kill a tree years after planting, long after the original planting mistake is forgotten.
Synthetic burlap (sometimes labeled as "coir" or coconut fiber) is even worse because it does not decompose at all. A tree planted with synthetic burlap will have permanently restricted roots, and the problem will only worsen as the tree grows larger and heavier.
What to do if you planted a tree with burlap still on
If you realize the burlap is still wrapped around the root ball after planting, you can dig the tree up and remove it—but the sooner you do this, the better. Within the first year or two, the roots have not yet grown extensively into the surrounding soil, so moving the tree causes less damage. Dig carefully around the root ball, lift the tree out, unwrap the burlap, and replant it at the same depth in the same hole.
If several years have passed and roots have grown deep into the surrounding soil, digging up the tree will cause significant root damage. In that case, you have two options: leave the tree in place and monitor it for signs of stress (yellowing leaves, poor growth, dieback), or consult a certified arborist about whether removal and replanting is worth the risk. Many trees survive with burlap on, especially if the soil is kept consistently moist—but they rarely thrive.
Burlap versus other tree wrapping materials
Burlap is the most common wrapping for bare-root and balled-and-burlapped trees sold at nurseries, but you may also encounter trees wrapped in plastic, twine, or wire baskets. All of these should be removed before planting, with one clarification: wire baskets can be cut away, but some arborists recommend leaving the bottom of the basket in place if it is difficult to remove without damaging roots. If you do leave basket material, cut away as much as possible and loosen any roots that are pressed against it.
Plastic wrapping should always be completely removed—it never decomposes and will permanently restrict the root ball. Twine and wire should be cut and pulled away from the trunk and roots. Do not leave any of these materials in the planting hole, as they serve no purpose once the tree is in the ground and only create barriers to root growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave burlap on if I plant the tree in a container instead of the ground?
No. Even in a container, burlap should be removed because it will eventually decompose and create a barrier inside the pot, restricting root expansion. Container-grown trees need room for roots to spread in all directions, and burlap prevents that.
What if the burlap is biodegradable and labeled as safe to leave in the ground?
Even biodegradable burlap should be removed. The label refers to the material's eventual decomposition, not to whether it is safe for the tree while it is decomposing. The breakdown process still creates a temporary barrier that can girdle roots and restrict water movement during the critical establishment period.
Does removing burlap hurt the tree if I do it after the tree has been in the ground for a few months?
No. If you discover burlap still on the tree after a few months, remove it when ready. The sooner you do, the less damage roots have suffered from restriction. Dig carefully to avoid disturbing the root ball, and the tree should recover well.
How do I know if the burlap is natural or synthetic?
Natural burlap (jute) is tan or brown, rough to the touch, and tears easily when pulled. Synthetic burlap is often smoother, may be darker or more uniform in color, and resists tearing. If you are unsure, remove it anyway—there is no benefit to leaving either type in the ground.
Can I compost the burlap I remove from the tree?
Yes, natural burlap can be added to a compost pile. It will break down along with other organic material. Synthetic burlap should not be composted, as it will not decompose and will contaminate the finished compost.