How to Care for Burlapped Trees

Purchase only healthy, vigorous burlapped trees. The healthier they are to start with, the more likely they are to survive. Be sure that the root ball itself is healthy and has not been broken; the tree should not feel loose in the root ball.

Always handle burlapped trees by picking them up under the root ball. Never carry them by the stem or trunk.

Don't let the root ball dry out. During the time between purchasing and planting your trees, keep the root ball moist by watering gently as needed. Do not water so much that the soil becomes wet and waterlogged.

Avoid exposing the trees to intense summer heat or freezing temperatures before planting them.

Use a shovel to dig a hole that is the same depth as the root ball and twice as wide. Gently set the tree in the hole.

Fill the hole back in, a few inches at a time, compacting the soil as you go. The tree should be set at the same depth at which it was grown in the nursery.