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Potted Trees VS. Ball & Burlap Trees— Pros & Cons

14 Mar, 2022 40
Potted Trees VS. Ball & Burlap Trees— Pros & Cons

Are you on the fence about what kind of tree you should buy, potted or ball and burlap? Don't worry— we are here to help! We've already done the leg work for you and have your pros and cons list complete. 


Potted Trees

Potted Trees

Pros: If there even are any?

  • Cheap
  • Easy to plant yourself

Cons: Where do we even begin?

  • They'll cost you in the long run- Container trees might save you a buck in the beginning, but they'll cost you big down the line. All too often, container trees, otherwise known as potted trees, are grown in a container until they get planted, and in turn, they're already root bound by the time they get to your yard, and it's one BAD habit the tree won't be able to break. Your tree will be suffering from the get-go. 
  • Not locally-grown & not well-acclimated- Usually, container trees are grown out of state and brought in from southern states where it's warmer year-round. Potted trees tend to appear fine at first. Then, once in the ground, they don't make it and can't withstand our summer droughts and harsh Illinois winters.

Ball and Burlap Trees

Root Balls

Pros: Get ready for a never-ending list of good stuff. 

  • B&B trees have it all!
  • Large trees 
  • Locally grown- This means that your tree will be well-acclimated. Since your tree is grown locally, it can withstand the variety of conditions the Chicagoland area is prone to getting during winter, spring, summer, and fall. 

Locally Grown Trees

  • They're able to breathe- B&B trees are dug directly from the field where they've been growing without the restriction of a container. On the other hand, potted trees grow in a container for so long that the root system will begin to spiral around. The spiraling can cause long-term health issues for the tree. Ball & burlap trees will not have this issue. The nursery will use a tree spade to dig up the tree and grab as many roots as possible before wrapping the rootball in a burlap bag and wire basket.

Marlee Talking about Tree Digging

  • Carefully nurtured- B&B trees are tenderly pruned and managed by the nursery when growing in the field. Once dug, the trees move to the nursery's holding yard, where they get put on drip irrigation and cared for until selected for planting at one of our job sites.

Maple Trees on drip irrigation

  • Expertly planted- Since these trees are so large and heavy, an expert should plant the trees for you, using the right equipment for the job. You won't have to worry that the job is getting done right when you have the professionals at iTrees.com do it! BONUS! When you have the experts at iTrees.com plant your large, locally-grown trees, they'll come with our iTrees.com Assurance™ Full Replacement Warranty.

Cons: If there even are any?

  • Large and quite heavy- Most homeowners can't plant large trees themselves. 

Unloading and digging Maple Tree Planting


So there you have it! Now that you have your list of comparisons, it's safe to say you'll make the best decision of your life when you choose a large, locally-grown tree.

Still on the fence about what kind of tree you'd like to get? A tree is a lifelong investment, and we are here to help you. Feel free to call us at (815) 448-2138 or email us at info@itrees.com, and we can help answer any other questions you may have. You can even come to see our trees for yourself when you schedule a tree tagging appointment.