Treated vs Untreated Burlap: Choosing the Right Type
Treated Burlap
Treated burlap is processed with EPA-approved copper naphthenate preservatives that significantly extend the material's lifespan under repeated wetting and drying cycles. It contains 2 to 3 times the preservative solution of most competitor brands. Use treated burlap when the material will be exposed to sustained moisture — silt fences, erosion control blankets, and applications where the burlap needs to hold together across a full growing season or winter. For balled-and-burlapped tree production where the burlap will be removed or buried at planting, treated burlap requires careful handling: treated material breaks down slowly and should not be folded under the root ball, as it can constrict roots for years after planting. A.M. Leonard only stocks burlap that meets strict EPA standards — no unregistered pesticides or toxic agents.
Untreated Burlap
Untreated burlap is 100% biodegradable jute with no chemical preservatives. It is the correct specification for B&B transplanting where the burlap will remain on the root ball or be partially buried — untreated material breaks down naturally in the soil and does not restrict root growth the way treated burlap can. It is also the preferred choice for seed germination blankets, compost covers, and any application where the burlap contacts food crops or edible plants. All A.M. Leonard untreated burlap is free of toxic agents and meets strict EPA standards.
Burlap Formats: Rolls, Squares, Liners, and Tree Wrap
Burlap Rolls
Sold in widths from 36 inches to 40 inches and various lengths, burlap rolls are the most versatile format for landscape and nursery crews. Cut to any length needed for root ball wrapping, frost protection over evergreen beds, erosion control on newly seeded slopes, or silt fencing along drainage channels. Available in both treated and untreated 7oz weights. Rolls ship in compact form and are easy to store on the truck or in the supply yard.
Burlap Squares
Pre-cut squares in sizes from 32 inches to 80 inches are the standard format for B&B tree production. Sizes are calibrated to root ball diameters: a 32-inch square fits a 16- to 18-inch ball, a 48-inch square fits a 24- to 28-inch ball, and a 72-inch square fits a 36- to 40-inch ball. Squares are sold in bales of 250 for production-scale nurseries and bundles of 10 for smaller operations. Available in treated and untreated 7oz and 10oz weights.
Burlap Liners
Pre-shaped burlap liners are sized to fit standard wire basket diameters — 44-inch baskets, 36-inch baskets, and others — and eliminate the need to cut and fit roll burlap around a basket frame. Use them to line wire baskets before filling with the root ball, providing a clean, consistent wrap that holds the soil in place during digging, transport, and planting. Available in treated and untreated varieties in bales of 25.
Burlap Tree Wrap
Narrow burlap wrap — 4 inches wide, 300 feet per roll — is used for trunk wrapping to protect young trees from sunscald, freeze-thaw cracking, mechanical damage, and rodent feeding over winter. Wrap spirally from the base of the trunk upward to the first scaffold branch. Non-adhesive; tie off with nursery twine or secure with staples. Remove in early spring before bud break to prevent trapping moisture against the bark.
Burlap Weight: 7oz vs 10oz
Most A.M. Leonard burlap is 7oz weight — a medium weave that balances durability, breathability, and biodegradability for general nursery and landscaping use. It resists ripping and tearing under normal field conditions and withstands repeated wetting and drying without significant loss of tensile strength. The 10oz weight is a tighter, heavier weave used for applications requiring additional structural integrity — larger root balls, heavy soil types, or production environments where the burlap is handled frequently. A.M. Leonard premium burlap exceeds most competitor specifications at the same weight rating due to tighter quality control on jute fiber grade and weave density. For large-volume nursery orders, Get a Quote or contact our team directly.
Burlap FAQ
What is the difference between treated and untreated burlap?
Treated burlap is preserved with EPA-approved chemicals that extend its lifespan under wet conditions — use it for silt fencing, erosion control, and applications where the burlap stays above ground. Untreated burlap is chemical-free and biodegrades naturally in soil — it is the correct choice for B&B root ball wrapping where the burlap will be buried at planting. Treated burlap left on a buried root ball can persist for decades and constrict root growth.
What size burlap square do I need for a balled-and-burlapped tree?
Match the square size to the root ball diameter: a 32-inch square fits a 14- to 18-inch ball, a 48-inch square fits a 22- to 28-inch ball, a 54-inch square fits a 26- to 32-inch ball, and a 72-inch square fits a 34- to 42-inch ball. When in doubt, size up — a slightly oversized square is easier to work with than one that is too small to cinch securely around the ball.
Should I remove burlap when planting a balled-and-burlapped tree?
For untreated natural burlap: remove or fold back the top 12 to 18 inches from the root flare before backfilling. The remainder can stay if the root ball is firm — it will biodegrade. For treated burlap: remove as much as possible before planting. Treated material degrades slowly and can constrict roots as they expand in diameter. Never fold treated burlap under the root ball. Remove all twine from around the trunk before backfilling regardless of burlap type.
How can I tell if burlap is treated or untreated?
Treated burlap typically has a greenish or blue-green tint from the copper naphthenate preservative. Untreated burlap is natural golden-brown. If unsure, burn a small corner with a match — natural untreated burlap burns cleanly and turns to ash; treated or synthetic burlap may resist the flame, smoke heavily, or leave a plastic-like residue. A.M. Leonard labels all burlap products as treated or untreated on the product page.
What is burlap tree wrap used for?
Burlap tree wrap protects young tree trunks from sunscald (freeze-thaw bark cracking caused by winter sun), rodent feeding, and mechanical damage during storage and transit. Wrap spirally from the base upward to the first branch, overlapping by half the wrap width. Secure with nursery twine — do not use wire or tape that can girdle the bark. Remove in early spring before bud break to prevent moisture from being trapped against the trunk.
Is A.M. Leonard burlap safe for use around food crops?
A.M. Leonard untreated burlap is free of toxic agents, unregistered pesticides, and hydrocarbons — it meets strict EPA standards and is safe for use in vegetable gardens, orchards, and around food crops. Treated burlap contains copper naphthenate preservatives and should not contact edible plant material directly. All A.M. Leonard burlap — treated and untreated — is sourced to meet EPA compliance standards. We do not stock imported burlap treated with unregistered chemicals.
Can I order burlap in bulk for a nursery or landscape crew?
Yes. Burlap squares are available in bales of 250 for production-scale operations and bundles of 10 for smaller orders. Burlap liners are sold in bales of 25. For large seasonal orders, volume pricing on specific sizes, or custom configurations, use the quote tool or contact our team directly. A.M. Leonard has supplied nurseries and landscape contractors with professional-grade burlap since 1885.
