Planting Balled and Burlapped Trees
Balled and burlapped trees should always be lifted by the ball, never by the trunk.
The burlap surrounding the ball of earth and roots should either be cut away completely or
at least pulled back from the top third of the ball. Any string or twine should also be removed.
Place a hose in the hole and turn it on to a slow trickle. Backfill soil (combinations of
peat moss, composted manure, and existing topsoil) is then placed in the hole surrounding the
tree just to the height of the ball or slightly lower to allow for some settling. Be careful
not to compress the back fill soil as this may prevent water from reaching the roots and the
roots from expanding beyond the ball. Build a small mounded circle around the tree for water
to pool in. Fill this moat with 2-3" of mulch to retain moisture.
Evergreen trees over 5' or deciduous tress over 1" caliber should be staked. Pound the stakes
into the ground 2' out from the center of the trunk, or the outermost branches in the case of
evergreens Two stakes should be used, with a soft material securing the trunk to the stakes.
Stakes should be left in place for one growing season.
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