What is a Ball and Burlap Tree?

A ball and burlap tree is a tree that has been field grown from a seedling to a pre determined size, approximately 4 foot  and up.  At Train’s Nursery we dig from 4′ to 10′ on evergreens.  And 1  1/2″ to 4″ caliper on shade trees and river birch.  Each tree is dug and placed in a wire basket lined with burlap.  The burlap is then pulled up and folded neatly around the trunk at which time we tie a sisal rope from the basket around the trunk and back to basket until all upright loops are tied.  Then we pig tail the baskets so they are tight around the ball of soil containing the roots of the tree.  Now they are ready to be shipped and replanted in your yard…

NOTE: When planting a B & B tree leave the burlap and basket on.   Removing it can  result in damaging the roots .  The burlap and basket are designed to rot in a few years.

When fertilizing B & B trees, keep in mind some roots are cut off when dug. That leaves the root ends raw and fertilizer can burn the roots.   It’s best not to fertilize the first year.