Planting evergreens - Ask Extension
Should a new evergreen be planted with the burlap, string or wire cage left intact or taken off? Should any of the roots near the bottom of the trunk ...
Knowledgebase
Planting evergreens #929855
Asked April 28, 2026, 6:45 AM EDT
Should a new evergreen be planted with the burlap, string or wire cage left intact or taken off? Should any of the roots near the bottom of the trunk be left exposed or should all roots be covered with dirt?
Cuyahoga County Ohio
Expert Response
Remove all wires, burlap, or container from the outside of the root ball. If the roots are circling, slice the outer 1-1.5 inches to promote new growth. Dig your hole 2-3 times wider than the root ball but no deeper. Position the tree so the root flare (section where the trunk widens at the base) is slightly above the soil surface. Backfill with native soil (the soil you dug up) and press down lightly to avoid over compaction.
