Next Bare Root Pre-Order Sale-January 2025

Next Bare Root Pre-Order Sale-January 2025

Be sure you are on our mailing list to hear when bare root pre-order is live on our webiste!

BARE ROOT PLANTS

Buying bare root plants is a great decision! You save money, help the environment and get bigger, better trees! There are a few things to know when planting bareroot trees versus containerized or balled and burlapped trees that will help you be successful.  

First, when you pick up your purchased trees (date TBD) your trees are dormant. The buds should be tightly closed, the branches will still be flexible, and the stems will still be plump.  Second, while dormant, bare root trees need to be kept cool (they can stay outside), their roots moist (not in a bucket of water) and covered with bark mulch or sawdust to keep them from the sunlight. Trees in this state do not demand much in the way of food, fertilizer or attention but need to be moist to help them deal with colder temperatures.

  • Bare root trees need to be planted before they break dormancy when the buds start opening. When you get your trees, it is good to prepare the hole and soil immediately to set them on the right path to success. The hole should be as wide as the root spread or branch spread. And roughly 18-24 inches deep. 

  • Fill the hole with water and then let it completely drain to insure there is moisture below the tree

  • Create a 50% x 50% mix of soil and compost for refilling the hole after planting. Build a pyramidal mound in the center of the hole with some of your soil mix. (See diagram A)

  • Set the tree on top of the mound so that the graft of the tree is above the surface of the surrounding soil. Spread the roots out along and down the mound.  

  • Then start back filling the soil mix halfway. Stop and fill the hole with water to ensure that section of soil and roots have moisture. Then completely fill the hole, tamp down to insure no air pockets and water again thoroughly.

  • Pound in three tree stakes around the tree to tie off to help secure the tree and stabilize the roots. Be sure to protect the trunk from the rope or wire with padding.

  • Continue to water the tree once a week if temperatures are warm and we have no precipitation until temperatures warm to spring temperatures, and regular seasonal water/irrigation begins.