Click below to listen to my 2 min. Garden Bite radio show: Bare-root tree/shrub planting
As soon as the soil thaws (is workable), it’s time to plant bare-root trees. A bare-root tree has no soil at all around its roots. It has been removed from the soil while still dormant.
Typically bare-root are available until just after the frost free date in your region, this year they are selling out quickly! After that, if there are any left the nursery will pot them up, let them break dormancy, and sell them as container grown.
Bare-root trees, shrubs and roses are often quite a bit less expensive than any other type. There are also bare root perennials. Prairie Moon sells those too.
If you’re transporting bare root trees, protect the roots from drying out, wrap them in plastic. If you ordered online, the roots will come packed in a box full of damp mulching material. Leave them packed and keep them wet until you’re ready to plant.
Prairie Moon Nursery sends their bare-root stock out when the time is right to plant. This is their Planting Guide.
Store only for short period in the garage or in shade until ready to plant if you must. Soak the roots of the plants in a bucket of water for at least 12 hours.
Make sure the roots are fully immersed but don’t crush them.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the length of the roots spread horizontally. Don’t plant too deep.
The portion of the trunk that was originally below ground before it was dug up will be discolored, often darker, that’s your planting level. Bare Root trees will catch up to the more expensive container grown in a few years. The price difference may be well worth it.
