Removing Burlap and Twine...

[John_KAYS]

um...

Have you ever had a nursery say that you shouldn't take the burlap and twine off?

I mean even off the top around the stem?

Well this is what happens...

 

[GregManning]

About 2 years ago I was given a tour of Holden Arboretum in Northeast Ohio (nationally, very well known facility) by the Finance Director & the Plants Recorders Curator.
They are spending LOTS, & LOTS of $$$.
This is about 15 miles from my house.

Lots of very interesting & impressive projects.
http://holdenarb.org/visit/canopywalk.asp

They had a newly installed "Norweb Tree Allee" (a long tree lined lane) with 2 good size, newly planted, Princeton American Elms at the very end leading into the Rhododendron Garden.

I noticed that both trees had the burlap and wire mesh baskets still on, after planting.
I asked & was told that the contractor / nursery would not guarantee them unless they were planted that way.

I just now talked to the Plant Collections Curator. He said that this was to allow the roots to take hold. Then sometime later the basket should have been removed.

OBVIOUSLY, this would have been nearly impossible.

 

[oldoakman]

I wonder just when they are going to pull their heads out?

 

[JeffGu]

I wonder just when they are going to pull their heads out?

They can't... they had a burlap bag and chicken wire over their heads when they planted them so firmly up their arses.

 

[John_KAYS]

I asked & was told that the contractor / nursery would not guarantee them unless they were planted that way.

I just now talked to the Plant Collections Curator. He said that this was to allow the roots to take hold. Then sometime later the basket should have been removed.

OBVIOUSLY, this would have been nearly impossible.

I had somebody from a nursery tell me the same thing. They would not guarantee the tree if you took any of the wrap off. Of course, I cut it all back when I planted it, 'cause even if they would exchange it under warranty, I still have to do all the work. I would rather give it a better shot at establishing in its planting site. Less likely to die in the long haul too.

This >article< was interesting, but it was undecided as far as long term damage, root girdling and extended interference etc.

 

[TimBr]

This sounds like a golden opportunity for a nursery that is willing to still provide a warranty if the bags are removed to take over the market.

This to me seems like a business covering its assets in the short term, to the detriment of its customers in the long term.

 

[brendonv]

I do about four-five weeks of work on an estate every year for the past three years.

Im continually trying to educate the caretaker on all the wrong done before me. This was the latest. They had nine white spruce planted by the neighboring nurseryman. Why oh why didnt anyone think to take this off? Im not even bothering, its at a point where i feel like im going to be looked down upon for bashing everyone.