Do you plant arborvitaes with the burlap bag that surrounds the roots or do you remove it?

Question

Do you plant arborvitaes with the burlap bag that surrounds the roots or do you remove it?

Answer 1

I would remove them or at least cut them away to promote root growth.

Answer 2

Plant it with the burlap.Removing it can cause the rootball to break up,and you'll lose the plant. Just remove the nails or twine that is holding it on at the top, and pull down a few inches.This will prevent it from wicking water out should the burlap become exposed at all at the top. Water and nutrients will readily penetrate burlap,roots will grow through it with no problem, and it will eventually rot away.

Answer 3

I have done both.  If the root ball is very heavy or the soil seems to be loose then you should leave the burlap on and just cut several holes in the burlap before you plant the  arborvitae.  Loosen the top of the burlap if it is being held by ties or a metal ring or a plastic holder.  Be sure to remove those. If the root ball is firm you can remove the burlap but as I said you don't need to.