removing burlap casing a newly planted tree

Question

Should the burlap casing be removed from a newly planted tree? A red bud tree was planted with the burlap still around the root ball. Now the tree has lost all its leaves. Is it dying?

Answer 1

I firmly believe that the burlap should be removed prior to planting.
When large trees are planted, the bottom of the burlap should be carefully cut open with care not to cut any roots.
Then when the ball is placed in the hole the top of the burlap is opened and cut away from the root ball.
That being said it could be but not necessarily the reason your tree is losing leaves.
Is the tree receiving adequate water?
Weather stresses? Cold winter? Wind? Heavy rain?
Do you see any signs of insects or disease?

Here are a few links with more information.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/watering-newly-planted-tree.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/tgen/how-and-when-to-plant-trees.htm