Here’s how to plant bare root trees properly.
Many types of trees such asapplesand oaks are sold as bare root trees.
Dean Schoeppner
What Is a Bare Root Tree?
Credit:Dean Schoeppner
Bare root trees are harvested and shipped while they are still in their winter dormancy.
The key to success is keeping the trees in this dormant state until they are ready for planting.
Adequate moisture and just-right cool temperatures keep trees dormant.
If possible, plant bare root trees as soon as you receive them.
These trees are stored in huge refrigerators at themail order nursery or your local nurserybefore you receive them.
The short transition time from the refrigerator to your house has likely spurred the trees to begin growing.
Aim to get the trees in the ground right away.
If weather conditions or life circumstances prevent immediate planting, store your bare root tree at 40F.
An unheated garage or root cellar might be a good storage place.
Keep the trees wrapped in moist, but not wet, packing material.
Mail order trees can remain in their shipping material.
Locally purchased trees can be wrapped in moistened newspaper.
Do not allow the trees to dry out.
These include hydrating the trees before planting and then establishing the proper planting depth.
Begin with a soak.
Soak tree roots in a bucket of water for one or two hours.
Any longer than two hours and the roots can become depleted of oxygen so set a timer.
While the tree is soaking,prune off any broken or damaged branches.
Dig a planting hole.
The best planting hole cannot overcome a poor planting location.
Match the trees preferred growing conditions with theideal spot in your landscape.
And don’t forget to take the mature size of the tree into account.
Make a cone in the center of the hole.
Using excavated soil, create a cone-shaped mound in the center of the planting hole.
The mound of soil will support the tree’s roots.
Place the tree on the top of the mound, spreading the roots over the soil.
Adjust the soil mound as needed.
Backfill with soil from the planting hole.
Build a shallow basin and add mulch.
Using your garden soil, build a 3-inch-tall ring around the root zone to form a shallow basin.
Newly planted bare root trees frequently need a stake to stabilize them until they can grow new roots.
Use strong, wide strips of canvas or rubber to support the tree.
Remove the staking material in the second growing season.
Provide plenty of water.
Finally water your newly planted tree deeply.
Supplemental watering is usually needed through the first growing season.
Continue watering in year two and three if conditions are dry.
