Embrace the Green: A Guide to Planting Bare Root Trees
Planting Bare Root Trees: A Budget-Friendly and Simplified Approach Compared to Potted Arboreal Specimens
It's that lovely time of the year again, garden enthusiasts! Autumn sets the stage for the planting season of bare root trees. If you're not a pro gardener, no worries! Here's a straightforward guide on how to plant bare root trees like a pro.
Experts from The Wildlife Trust recommend planting a fruit tree this autumn, and bare root trees are an excellent choice due to their affordability and swift growth compared to seeds. So, let's dive in!
While the bare root tree planting season goes on until early spring, before the buds start to break, we advise getting the job done before the frost hits. As our experts suggest, a frozen ground isn't great for planting trees.
What's a Bare Root Tree?
Garden expert Steve Chilton from LeisureBench clarifies, "Bare root trees are trees sold with their roots exposed instead of being in a pot." Essentially, they're harvested during their dormant season, preventing them from being damaged in the process.
Benefits of Bare Root Trees
- Cost-Effective: Bare root trees can save you around 30-50% compared to potted trees of the same size. (Jack Sutcliffe, Power Sheds)
- Less Labor and Material: Since they don't require soil, they're cheaper for both the seller and the buyer and easier to move. (Petar Ivanov, Fantastic Gardeners)
- Healthier Root System: Because their roots grow naturally and aren't confined to a pot, bare root trees generally have healthier root systems, leading to faster growth. (Steve Chilton, LeisureBench)
What You'll Need
- A gardening bucket (like this one from Amazon)
- A shovel (like this one from Amazon)
- A watering can (like this one from Amazon)
Step-by-Step Guide
- Keep the Roots Hydrated: Dip the tree's roots in a bucket of water for a couple of hours to ensure they're well-hydrated.
- Choose the Spot: Select a location with good sun and air circulation, making sure the roots will be free from obstacles and other plants.
- Prepare the Planting Hole: Dig a large, deep hole that's wide enough for the roots to spread out comfortably.
- Place the Tree: Position the tree in the hole so the top of the root system sits just below ground level. Ensure the roots are entirely covered, as shallow planting is better than deep planting.
- Gently Backfill the Hole: Fill the hole with a mix of the dug-up soil and some organic matter like compost (if desired). Gently firm the soil around the roots but avoid compacting it too much.
- Water Generously: Water the tree thoroughly with around 5 gallons of water to help the soil settle. Pour it slowly to allow the water to soak into the soil.
Before Planting
- Keep Roots Moist: Wrap damp cloth or paper towel around the roots to maintain moisture if needed.
- Trim Damaged Roots: Use sanitized pruning tools to eliminate any damaged or circling roots.
Is It Too Late to Plant Bare Root?
Planting bare root trees is still an excellent choice, even when the weather starts to cool. Just be sure to follow the above steps carefully and keep the tree well-watered to ensure a healthy establishment.
Happy gardening, and here's to a fruitful autumn and winter! 🍎🍏🌳
*Written by Sara Hesikova, our platform Certified Expert in Training on Furniture
Sara has been a Content Editor at our platform since June 2024, starting as a News Writer in July 2023. She's a London College of Fashion graduate with a bachelor's degree in fashion journalism and has worked with numerous fashion and lifestyle magazines and bed linen brands.*
Incorporating a fruit tree into your home-and-garden setting could be an exciting addition to your lifestyle, particularly when planted as a bare root tree during the autumn season. After hydrating the roots, selecting an appropriate location, preparing the planting hole, and following the step-by-step guide provided, you'll be well on your way to enjoying the benefits of a healthier, more cost-effective, and faster-growing bare root tree.
