Wire baskets do not need to be completely removed from large field grown trees. Cut and fold down the top half of the basket, fold back the burlap, and remove the nylon strings. Be sure to remove plastic liners or synthetic burlap-type materials. For the most efficient use of water, construct an earthen dam 4 to 6 inches high around the drip-zone area of the plant after planting. Water will collect in this saucer and move slowly down into the planting hole area.
Trunk wraps, in theory, help prevent sunscald and cracks on thin-bark trees such as maple and birch.
Tree wraps may offer some protection from rodents and maintenance equipment. Recently, however, this practice has been questioned. These injuries are usually winter injuries due to extreme environmental conditions. Trees in exposed sites, where trunks are open to south and southwest direct winter sun, may require protection. Sometimes a newly planted tree will require additional support, anchorage or protection.