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Removing Burlap from Tree Root Balls: Best Practice

Situation

Landscaper installed 7-ft Kousa dogwood but only peeled back top burlap. Should it have been removed?

Expert Consensus

Yes—remove as much burlap as practical (usually upper half). Most burlap is copper-treated to slow decay; it inhibits root penetration until it breaks down. Plastic burlap (older) caused major establishment issues.

Remediation

Have someone dig around root ball and slice burlap in several spots below ground.

About Gardening: Removing a Dead Zelkova: Root Excavation Guide and Replanting Advice; How to Transplant Large Snowball Bushes Successfully; Transplanting a Pine Tree: Root Ball Size, Timing, and Aftercare; Windmill Palm Planting Hole Size: Critical for Root Establishment; Easiest Way to Remove Shrub Roots: Rent a Stump Grinder; Dogwoods Planted in June: Likely Lost to Drought Stress; Native Azalea With Tiny Root Ball: Return or Baby It; Improving Root Zone for Established Japanese Maple; Planting Balled-and-Burlapped Trees: Remove All Burlap; Why You Must Remove Burlap from Tree Root Balls

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