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Balled-and-Burlapped Information
The Season is Upon Us
Typically, B&B trees are dug when the plant is dormant. There are a few plants, like Crepe Myrtles, Red Maples & Hollies, that can be dug outside of this normal dig season.
The best time to dig and re-plant balled-and-burlapped trees is in the fall or late winter into very early spring. B&B plant material is a time sensitive, perishable product that is custom dug for an order. Therefore, any cancellations of B&B plant material must be received prior to digging. All sales are final once an order is dug. Orders must be picked up or delivered within two weeks of notification. We reserve the right to assess an additional holding fee of 1.5% per month (18% per annum) until material is picked up or shipped.
Fall
Fall planting gives the tree more time to establish a healthy root system before the summer. The cooler temperatures also help reduce stress on the tree. Fall planting is ideal because trees can lose up to 90% of their roots during the balled-and-burlapped process.
Late Winter (very early Spring)
Planting in early spring is also an option, but the tree should be in a dormant state.
Out of Season Digging
Customers wanting B&B material outside of our digging season are asked to complete our Out of Season Dig Agreement prior to the order being finalized and dug.
Here are some tips for planting balled-and-burlapped trees.
- Dig a hole: Dig a hole that's 1.5–2 times the diameter of the root ball.
- Stabilize the root ball: Stabilize the root ball in the hole.
- Add mulch: Add 1–2 inches of mulch.
- Water slowly and deeply: Water using low pressure, ensuring saturation of soil to depth of roots.
- Prune: Prune the tree at planting to improve the canopy structure.
