How To Ball and Burlap Dig A Tree

Need to move a tree without killing it? In this video, I’ll show you exactly how to ball and burlap a tree step-by-step so you can safely transplant it and protect the root system.

This is the same basic method used by professional nurseries — but I’ll walk you through it in a simple, practical way.

💡 What You’ll Learn:

How to dig a tree for transplanting
How to shape and protect the root ball
How to properly wrap a tree in burlap
Tools and materials you actually need
Common mistakes to avoid

🛠 Tools You’ll Need:

Heavy-duty nursery spade (critical)
Burlap
Pinning nails or landscape nails
Twine or rope (biodegradable preferred)

👉 A solid spade makes a HUGE difference when cutting roots and shaping the ball.

🌱 Step-by-Step Process:

Dig a trench around the tree
Angle your cuts inward to form a root ball
Cut underneath the tree to free the roots
Slide burlap under the root ball
Wrap and secure tightly with nails
Tie everything together with rope

⚡ Important Tips:

The root ball doesn’t have to be perfect
Some soil loss is normal during digging
Tight wrapping is key to holding everything together
Dormant trees transplant much easier

🌿 What Most People Get Wrong:

Using a weak shovel instead of a nursery spade
Not cutting deep enough under the root ball
Leaving the burlap too loose
Expecting a perfect root ball (it rarely is)

🌳 What Happens After Transplanting:

The tree will regrow new feeder roots
Root pruning actually improves future growth
With proper care, the tree should recover quickly

🌿 Perfect for:

Homeowners moving trees
DIY landscapers
Backyard nursery growers
Anyone learning tree transplanting

💰 Why This Matters:
Knowing how to properly dig and move trees can save you hundreds (or thousands) of dollars — and it’s a key skill if you’re growing plants for profit.

💰 Want to learn how to grow and sell plants like this?

Join the Backyard Nurserymen™ and learn the full system:

👉 join.backyardnurserymen.com