Tear off the top of the container level with soil and poke a dozen or more large holes in the bottom and sides of the container (a screw driver works well), and the pot will disintegrate.

DO NOT remove the burlap; after root ball has been correctly positioned in planting hole, peel the burlap on top of the root ball so it does not show through the soil when planted. Cut the string if it is tied around the trunk of the plant. Cut off all nylon string. If a wire cage had been placed over the burlap, cut top 2/3 off once the root ball is placed in the hole and the plant is straight.