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How to properly install a balled and burlapped (B&B) tree ---PAGE BREAK--- Remove all the twine/rope Twine may girdle/strangle the tree if not completely removed ---PAGE BREAK--- Remove the burlap and look for the root flare No root flare is visible. Looks like a telephone pole. ---PAGE BREAK--- It may be necessary to remove excess soil to expose root flare Root ball size has been reduced by 1/4 to 1/3 by exposing the root flare, reducing the amount of labor necessary for digging Note: TREE TO BE PLANTED WITH EXPOSED ROOT FLARE 1” – 3” ABOVE FINISHED GRADE AT CURB REMOVE ADDITIONAL SOIL FROM THE TOP OF THE ROOT BALL AT THE PLANTING SITE TO REVEAL THE TREE ROOT FLARE ---PAGE BREAK--- Before planting, prune any girdling or upward growing roots ---PAGE BREAK--- Dig the hole twice as wide as the root ball Place the root ball on undisturbed or compacted soil Make sure you set tree so root flare is 1 – 3 inches above grade ---PAGE BREAK--- Remove at least the top 2/3 of the burlap and wire basket. Insert two stakes to hold tree steady ---PAGE BREAK--- Fill the hole halfway up with soil and add water. This step will help remove air pockets, and help secure the root ball in the ground Do NOT step in planting hole to compact soil around root ball/roots “Mudding In” ---PAGE BREAK--- Fill the rest of the hole with soil and soak again with water. Add mulch but do not bury the root flare Mulch helps retain soil moisture, reduces competition with weeds and moderates soil temperatures and protects against freezing It is bad practice to pile mulch up against the trunk of trees. It may cause trunk or root rot and diverts energy to growing girdling roots ---PAGE BREAK--- Proper Root Flare Placement Flare High Above Finished Grade Flare Below Finished Grade ---PAGE BREAK--- The Results Thriving Crown Failing Crown ---PAGE BREAK--- Post Planting Care Place gator bags on the two tree stakes to encourage root growth outwards. Fill gator bags 1-2 times per week with roughly 20 gallons of water per watering during the growing season for two years Remember: Root flare high, tree doesn’t die. Root flare low, tree doesn’t grow. Inspiration from: Cambridge City Arborists, David Lefcourt and Abigail Bentley