Ball and Burlap Planting (Handling Guide)

Balled-and-burlapped trees need careful handling from delivery through planting. Keep the root ball supported and moist, size lifting equipment for the load and reach, and dig a wide hole with firm soil beneath the ball. Set the root flare at or slightly above grade, remove obstructive packaging, then water thoroughly and check stability.

Think of a B&B tree as a carefully packed load: the branches are visible, but the soil ball is doing much of the work of protecting its roots. A sound planting depends on keeping that ball intact, then setting it at the right height. I use the steps below to reduce handling damage and avoid burying the root flare.

Equipment Setup and Site-Safety Preparation

This stage checks whether the tree, route, work area, and lifting equipment are suitable before the root ball leaves the ground. Planning matters because a machine’s rated capacity changes with its reach, and a damaged ball can shift or fail during a lift.

First, inspect the planting location and route. Confirm access width, overhead clearance, turning space, ground stability, and the location of underground utilities. Check excavation requirements and follow applicable workplace safety rules, including OSHA requirements where they apply. Set an exclusion zone around lifting and placement work. Use task-appropriate personal protective equipment, inspect rigging, and assign a signal person when the operator’s view is limited.

Choose a loader, tree spade, or other suitable method based on the combined weight of the tree, root ball, and rigging. Check the equipment’s rated capacity at the actual load radius, meaning the distance from the machine’s center of rotation to the load. That capacity must exceed the combined load. If weight or capacity is uncertain, get reliable equipment and load information before lifting; do not guess from trunk size alone.

The load must be supported at the root ball. Never lift, drag, or pull the tree by its trunk, branches, or root collar. A trunk may look like a convenient handle, but that force can damage the tree and does not safely support a heavy soil ball.

B&B Handling, Planting, and Field Completion

B&B handling means moving a tree with its root ball intact and planting it at a depth that keeps the root flare visible. The work proceeds from inspection to careful lifting, hole preparation, placement, packaging removal, backfill, and watering.

1. Receive and inspect the tree

Check that the trunk and crown appear sound, the root ball is firm, and the tree’s root flare can be identified. Look for a cracked, loose, or misshapen ball, broken branches, dry burlap, or damage to the trunk. Compare the stock and ball dimensions with the purchase specification. ANSI Z60.1 provides nursery-stock standards; ball size depends on plant type and stock size, so do not rely on a universal trunk-caliper-to-ball ratio.

Keep the root ball shaded and protected from drying, impact, and vibration while the tree waits. Handle it as little as possible. If the ball is loose, undersized for the agreed specification, or damaged, document the condition and resolve it before planting.

2. Dig and measure

Measure the root ball before digging. Make the planting hole about two to three times as wide as the ball. Slope or roughen the sides so roots can grow into nearby soil. Dig to the ball’s measured depth, not deeper, and leave firm, undisturbed soil under it. A tree set on loosened soil can settle after planting, taking the root flare below grade.

Use the visible root flare, where the trunk widens into the main roots, to set planting height. Place it at or slightly above the surrounding soil grade. If extra soil covers the flare, remove enough to locate it before setting the tree. ANSI A300, Part 6, addresses planting and transplanting practices.

3. Lift, place, and remove packaging

Lift and support the ball, not the trunk. Lower it gently into the hole, then check that the tree stands upright and the flare is at the correct height. Stabilize the ball before cutting away packaging; do not let the ball roll or slump as material is removed.

Remove twine and burlap from the top and upper sides. Remove synthetic burlap completely where feasible, since it does not break down like natural burlap. Cut away the upper portion of a wire basket without disturbing the ball. No ties, burlap, or wire should remain tight against the trunk or root flare. If removing packaging would cause the ball to break apart, pause and reassess the support and planting method rather than pulling it loose.

4. Backfill and water

Backfill with the excavated soil unless the project specification or a documented soil condition calls for a different approach. Work soil around the ball without heavy tamping. Water thoroughly to settle the soil; do not use forceful compaction to close gaps. Check the tree’s height again after watering and make sure the flare remains visible.

Apply mulch over the root zone, but keep it away from the trunk. Watering needs after planting vary with soil, weather, species, and drainage. Keep the root zone consistently moist during establishment, checking soil conditions rather than following a fixed schedule that may overwater or dry out the tree.

Root-Ball Failure and Field Scenarios

A field scenario is a practical example of how a planting decision changes when site conditions or tree condition differ. These examples are not reports of specific documented projects; they show how to apply the handling steps without risking workers or the tree.

A ball shifts during the lift. Stop the operation and lower the load to stable ground if it can be done safely. Clear people from the fall zone, then reassess the ball, rigging, and support method. A saturated, cracked, undersized, or poorly supported ball may split or slump. Never try to catch or steady a suspended tree by hand.

The site has restricted access. Before delivery, compare the route width and overhead clearance with the tree and lifting equipment. Check turning space and ground bearing, then confirm that the machine can safely carry the load at the needed reach. If it cannot, choose a suitable method or revise the delivery plan before unloading.

The tree sits low after placement. Check the root flare and firm soil beneath the ball. Do not hide the problem by piling soil around the trunk. If the ball is stable, correct the planting height before backfilling is complete. If it has settled or become unstable, stop and reassess rather than lifting by the trunk.

Post-Planting Inspection and Maintenance

A final inspection confirms that the tree is stable, correctly set, and receiving water across the root zone. It also creates a useful record of stock condition and location, so concerns can be addressed while the planting work is still fresh.

Check that the tree is upright, the root flare is visible, and the ball does not rock. Look for exposed packaging, ties, or wire near the trunk. Confirm backfill has settled without leaving a depression that holds water against the trunk, and verify that irrigation reaches the root zone.

Record the planting location and any concerns about stock condition, ball integrity, drainage, or access. Keep equipment clear until the work zone is safe. During establishment, check soil moisture and adjust watering for local conditions. Avoid assuming that a set number of watering days works for every tree and soil.

Equipment Cleaning, Storage, and Seasonal Care

Cleaning and storing equipment after planting helps keep the next job safe and ready. This includes inspecting lifting gear and tools for damage, removing soil and debris, and following the equipment maker’s storage instructions.

Once the work area is clear, inspect rigging, attachments, and tools for wear or damage. Clean off soil and plant debris, and store equipment as directed by its manufacturer. Remove damaged gear from service until it has been assessed or replaced. Keep records of equipment concerns that could affect a future lift.

Conclusion

The essential sequence is straightforward: inspect the tree, confirm the equipment and route, protect the root ball, dig wide with firm support beneath it, and set the flare at or slightly above grade. Remove obstructive packaging after stabilizing the ball, then backfill gently, water thoroughly, and check the finished planting. When a ball shifts or breaks, stop and reassess.

Frequently Asked Questions

These short answers cover common decisions about handling, planting depth, packaging, and early care. Conditions vary by tree and site, so use the stock specification and local planting requirements when they provide more specific direction.

How wide should a hole be for a B&B tree?
Make it about two to three times the root-ball width, with sloped or roughened sides.

How deep should I dig the planting hole?
Dig to the measured depth of the root ball, leaving firm, undisturbed soil underneath it.

Should the root flare be above or below ground?
Set the root flare at or slightly above the surrounding grade. Do not bury it.

Can I lift a B&B tree by its trunk?
No. Support and lift the root ball. Never lift, drag, or reposition the tree by its trunk or branches.

Do I need to remove burlap?
Remove burlap and twine from the top and upper sides after stabilizing the ball. Remove synthetic burlap completely where feasible.

How much of the wire basket should I remove?
Cut away the upper portion without disturbing the ball. Keep wire away from the trunk and root flare.

Should I tamp the backfill firmly?
No. Backfill without heavy compaction, then water to settle the soil.

How often should I water after planting?
Keep the root zone consistently moist during establishment. Frequency depends on soil, weather, species, and drainage, so check soil conditions.

What should I do if the root ball cracks while lifting?
Stop, clear people from the fall zone, and lower the load to stable ground if safe. Reassess the ball and lifting support; never try to catch a suspended tree.

Which standards guide B&B stock and planting?
ANSI Z60.1 addresses nursery-stock specifications, including root-ball dimensions. ANSI A300, Part 6, covers planting and transplanting practices.

(This article was written by one of our staff writers, Nathan Pierce. Visit our Meet the Team page.)