Question
Dear Expert,
My father had a large design installation end of last August where most of the plants, evergreens (yews..) had the burlap left on.  Is that the correct or appropriate method?  I have learned quite simply from a little basic reading of gardening books that proper method is to remove burlap if possible or at least remove as much as possible.  

Btw, this install was done by a very experienced company but unfortunately in this business the actual planting work was left to very inexperienced workers with little supervision.  Some of the plants don't seem to be prospering and I wonder if a large part of the reason could be the burlap hindering proper growth??  What do you think? (the install was over $20,000)

Thanks in advance

Answer
Hello David,

Yes, the burlap should be untied from the trunk of the shrub or tree and either removed completely or folded down and tucked under the ball of the plant.  With the burlap on the root have no room to escape and thrive.  I hate to hear bad experiences people have with other companies.  You should have that company come back and fix what they did not do correct.  There should not be inexperienced people installing a landscape without being supervised.

Bud Christmann