After I find the flare and remove excess soil, I re-tie the burlap and secure it with biodegradable, sisal-hemp twine to keep the root ball intact. I remove any nylon twine from around the trunk or root ball since it won't break down and could eventually harm the tree.

Nurseries usually protect trees during their transport and sale by binding root balls with plain or treated burlap. Both are biodegradable and should be left on the root ball during planting. However, growers sometimes cover root balls with synthetic materials that resemble burlap. Always remove these plastic coverings; they will kill the tree if left on the root ball. If a covering looks questionable, ask the nursery what it is. Avoid buying trees with such wrapping, or be careful when removing it so that the roots aren't disturbed. Wire baskets help hold root balls together, so leave them on when planting. In time, they'll simply rust away.

To plant the tree, lift it by the root ball - never by the trunk - and lower it into the hole (above right); lifting a tree by the trunk could loosen the ball and damage the feeder roots. Then cut the burlap vertically every 6 to 8 inches from the bottom of the ball up to the soil line, and on top of the burlap (right). Avoid cutting the twine that is holding the ball together. These slices help water reach the roots, allow roots to grow into the surrounding soil, and spur the burlap to break down faster.

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