The Role of Burlapping in Modern Arboriculture Practices

November 25, 2024

The Role of Burlapping in Modern Arboriculture Practices

When it comes to planting and caring for young trees, arborists often rely on a straightforward but highly effective practice—burlapping. This age-old technique has evolved into a crucial component of modern arboriculture, helping ensure that trees are transplanted successfully and provided with the conditions they need to thrive. But what exactly is burlapping, why is it so vital, and how does it fit into contemporary tree care methods?

If you’re curious about how arborists harness burlapping to protect trees and their surrounding environment, this post dives into the details. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of how this practice supports healthier, longer-living trees—and why it remains an indispensable tool for professionals and hobbyists alike.


What is Burlapping? 

Burlapping, commonly referred to as “Balled and Burlapped” (B&B) tree handling, involves wrapping the root ball of a tree in burlap fabric before transplanting it. This biodegradable material securely contains the soil and root structure during transportation and planting, reducing damage to the delicate root system. Often used for larger or more mature trees, this technique stabilizes the tree, minimizes transplant shock, and protects the root ball from disintegrating when handled.

This traditional method has been modernized over the years with innovative changes in materials and approaches, making it highly effective for arboriculture practices in urban, suburban, and rural settings.


Why is Burlapping Essential in Arboriculture?

Burlapping may sound simple, but it plays a profound role in ensuring the health and longevity of transplanted trees. Here are some key reasons why it’s indispensable:

1. Minimizing Transplant Shock 

Transplanting always poses a risk for trees, as they must adapt to new soil, water conditions, and available nutrients. Burlapping provides an extra layer of protection, keeping the root ball intact and limiting exposure to air and light, which can dry the roots and disrupt their delicate balance.

2. Preserving Root Structure 

With certain tree species, their root structures are particularly sensitive and prone to breakage. By containing the entire root ball, burlapping significantly reduces mechanical stress during transportation and planting, ensuring that roots remain undisturbed.

3. Encouraging Biodegradability 

Unlike plastic root-binding solutions, burlap fabric is biodegradable, allowing roots to penetrate it as the fabric disintegrates over time. Once the tree is planted, the burlap naturally decomposes into the soil, eliminating waste and easing root establishment.

4. Improving Transportation Efficiency 

For arborists working on large-scale landscaping or urban tree-planting projects, the portability of burlapped trees is a game-changer. Since the root ball is secured and compact, it is easier to transport even larger trees to their destination without worrying about soil crumbling or loss.

5. Ecosystem Compatibility 

Burlapping complements larger sustainability efforts. Its eco-friendly properties reduce the use of synthetic root-encasing materials, and it integrates smoothly into different environments without harming biodiversity.


Step-by-Step Burlapping Process 

Now that we’ve explored its importance, here’s a closer look at how burlapping is carried out in modern arboriculture:

Step 1 - Digging the Right-Sized Root Ball 

Before applying burlap, arborists carefully dig around the tree to create the appropriate root ball size. The size of the ball depends on the diameter of the tree trunk, with a general guideline being 10-12 inches of soil diameter for every inch of trunk diameter.

Step 2 - Wrapping with Burlap 

Once the root ball is shaped, the burlap is wrapped snugly around it. The fabric is carefully secured using twine or metal staples to ensure it stays in place during transportation, while still allowing the roots some degree of “breathing space.”

Step 3 – Adding Reinforcement 

For heavier or larger trees, the burlapped root ball is further stabilized with a wire basket or wooden box. This provides additional durability when handling bulky root systems.

Step 4 – Planting the Tree 

When it’s time to plant, arborists often leave the burlap intact. Because the material is biodegradable, it can be placed directly into the soil where it naturally decomposes, permitting the roots to extend into their new environment.


Common Misconceptions About Burlapping 

With its long history, burlapping has gained some misconceptions over time. Here are a few clarified points:

  • "The Burlap Should Always Be Removed": Not necessarily! While synthetic burlap should be stripped off before planting to avoid restricting root growth, natural burlap is designed to decompose and can remain in place. Arborists recommend loosening it slightly or trimming the top edges to speed up the breakdown.
  •  "Burlapping is Only for Large Trees": While commonly used for large, mature trees, burlapping can be employed for smaller saplings or shrubs in windy or precarious conditions, where added root stabilization is needed.
  • "Burlapping is Outdated": On the contrary, burlapping remains a gold standard in transplanting. Its practicality, affordability, and eco-friendly nature continue to make it relevant for arborists in urban landscaping and ecological restoration projects.

Burlapping in Practical Applications 

Burlapping is not limited to rural or forested areas. Its application extends to various contexts that illustrate its adaptability:

1. Urban Landscaping 

Imagine planting a row of trees in a bustling city park. Burlapping simplifies the transportation of trees from the nursery to the site, protecting their roots from urban stressors like dust, pollution, and heat. It’s particularly useful for the increasingly popular practice of planting mature trees in urban environments.

2. Eco-Restoration Projects 

Rehabilitation projects in deforested areas benefit greatly from burlapping. By maintaining root stability, the technique increases the survival rate of young trees in harsh or degraded environments.

3. Ornamental Landscaping 

Large decorative trees often used for residential and commercial landscaping rely on burlapping to ensure they’re delivered and planted with minimal risk to their health or aesthetic. 


Challenges and Future Directions 

While burlapping is an essential tool, it does have its limitations. For example:

  • Synthetic burlap has gained criticism for environmental concerns, as it does not decompose, leading to restricted root growth.
  • Over-tight wrapping can create a “girdling” effect on roots, which hampers their ability to grow outward.

Arboriculture researchers are exploring alternatives such as organic burlap blends, biodegradable stakes, and enhanced wrapping techniques to address these issues. The future of burlapping is as much about tradition as it is about adapting to modern challenges.


Protecting Trees for Years to Come 

The role of burlapping in modern arboriculture practices is undeniable. It balances practicality, sustainability, and adaptability, making it vital for urban planners, ecological restorationists, and landscapers alike. Whether you’re an arborist working with large canopies or a hobbyist caring for your backyard greenery, burlapping offers unparalleled benefits in transporting and planting trees securely.

Want to dig deeper into the latest arboriculture trends or techniques like burlapping? Join our resource hub designed specifically for tree care professionals and enthusiasts. Together, we can continue supporting thriving landscapes for generations to come.



Tree Service, Tree Removal, Tree Trimming, Stump Removal


First Tree Service of Dallas Ga

Dallas, Ga 30157

404-238-7367

http://www.firsttreeservicedallasga.com/

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