We recently had some trees transplanted. When lifted, the root balls were still in wire baskets. These baskets were cut off before the trees were replanted. I am now concerned that other trees planted at the same time (2 yrs. ago) may still have baskets attached. What is the standard arboricultural opinion regarding these baskets? Are they potentially harmful if left on? If so, is it more detrimental to remove them after the fact? Is there an effective way to remove them without lifting the tree? Any comments most appreciated.

Reply to post by esw, on March 30, 2000 at 09:59:21:

It is common (albeit questionable practice) for trees to be planted by landscape companies as you have described. I prefer to remove the basket to the middle wire (about half way down the side) after getting the tree stable in the hole and straightened etc. Cut the cords holding the wire or burlap and if the ball is solid I cut away the upper part of the burlap as well. Many times the burlap has been treated to be resistant to rot and may last a pretty long time in contact with the soil.

As far as removing the other baskets, you would probably do more damage at this point digging them up again to do it then you would gain. However, if the strings are still tied around the top of the plant or the burlap is exposed to the air, the effort at removing these would be well rewarded I think.

Hope this helps some.

wayne

Reply to post by Wayne, on March 30, 2000 at 09:59:21:

You might follow the main roots out from the trunk by doing a root-collar excavation, and make sure that the wires are not causing constrictions on them. If at lest a few main roots get beyond the basket, the tree has a better chance. Plastic burlap is more of a problem, and it's still in use out there.
Nurserypeople do not think baskets pose a problem, but I think Wayne is wise to remove them at planting, since it is such a pain in the rump to do it later.

Reply to post by Ed Milhous, on March 30, 2000 at 17:52:54:

Sorry about the double entry-I hit enter while entering email address and poof my non-existent comments were history...

Anyway, I always think of the stump grinder getting dulled or the landscaper getting poked with a rusty remnant...seems to me that leaving as little basket as possible is best.

Reply to post by esw, on March 30, 2000 at 09:59:21:

There is literature showing that the wire baskets do NOT rust away and do cause root girdling and tree damage. I can't put my finger on the literature but I think it may be from the Urban Horticulture Institute at Cornell (Dr. Nina Bassuk), Dr. Ed Gilman in FL, or Dr. Bonnie Appleton at VPI.

The landscapers and nursery people seem quite reluctant to admit the baskets cause damage because it makes their job harder.

Andy Hillman from City of Ithaca jsy gave a presentation and said they've found the easiest method is to cut the bottom of the basket, then place the tree in the hole (the rest of the basket keeps the ball intact through handling), then once the tree is placed, remove the rest of the basket.

Reply to post by esw, on March 30, 2000 at 09:59:21:

Wayne,Ed, Nathaniel and Scott: Thanks for your timely and helpful replies. Time to do a little sleuthing now.

Reply to post by esw, on March 30, 2000 at 09:59:21:

The wire baskets can cause a girdling of tissues, as you would expect. Although the root tissue appears to 'graft' around the wire, there is a disruption of the sap flow through the root that can have an impact on the tree. There was a posterboard presentation on this at 1991 ISA Conference (Toronto), and the effects were demonstrated at a local arboretum. I think the research was done at University of Guelph.

Once the roots have grown past the basket, you will probably cause much more harm by trying to belatedly correct the situation.

Reply to post by Scott, on March 30, 2000 at 09:59:21:

I've debated this w/nurseryfolk for years. What I always found appalling was their insisting that the baskets would rust away (amazing that the basket will rust away when Revolutionary War objects are still intact!); and the reason cited for leaving baskets on in the first place: if the tree dies, it's easier to get it out of the hole if there is still a basket on it!

Reply to post by Ed, on March 31, 2000 at 06:50:36:

My favorite one is they leave the rope around the base of the plant for the first year just in case it doesn't survive!

Reply to post by Russ Carlson, on March 30, 2000 at 09:59:21:

Russ:

Dr. Glen Lumis U of Guelph has indeed researched wire basket and root interactions. The wire does not readily rust away but the roots eventually move out. It may be that the basket root undisturbed soil interface is as much a problem as the basket.

Glen can be reached at glumis@evbhort.voguelph.ca

Julian