Question: Should I try to remove the burlap when I plant my new tree?

Answer: If it’s truly just burlap, you should leave it in place. You don’t want to take the chance that you might loosen the soil around the roots. The burlap will quickly rot and allow root growth into the adjacent soils. If there is any type of plasticized material involved, however, you should cut slits through it, or remove it from the sides of the soil ball. The one thing you do want to do, however, is to cut any twine or wire that is wrapped around the tree’s trunk so it won’t girdle the tree years later.