How to Plant Bare Root Trees

Bare root trees are dug from the ground when they’re dormant, usually in fall, and their roots are shaken free of soil.  They are stored in a cool place with their roots kept moist until they are ready to be shipped for you to plant.

 Supplies & Tools Needed:

Bare Root Tree

Bucket

Shovel

Scissors or clippers

Bag of Top Soil

Mulch

Dowel/Plant Stick

 Step 1:

Cut off bands holding wrapping on tree.

 Step 2: Removing Roots From Packaging

Unwrap tree roots from the packing, taking care not to damage them.

If roots are badly tangled gently untangle them.

 Step 3: Re-hydrating The Tree

Fill a bucket with enough water to cover tree roots. Leave tree to soak in bucket for 4 – 6 hours to let the water get well absorbed into the tree.

Step 4: Preparing Roots

Remove tree from bucket of water. Cut off any roots that look dried out or dead.

Step 5: Making The Hole

Dig a hole double the size of the root ball in depth and width.

Step 6: Preparing The Hole

Fill the bottom one-third of hole with topsoil

 Step 7: Planting The Tree

Place the tree in the hole. Cover half of the root ball with topsoil, gently packing down the soil. You should now have two-thirds of the hole filled with soil.

Step 8: Adding Water

Add water to the hole filling it up completely. Let it set until the water is all absorbed.  As the water is absorbed, it will cause the release of air bubbles from around the roots.

Step 9: Complete The Planting

Once all the water is absorbed fill the hole the rest of the way with topsoil, gently packing it down.

Step 10: Adding Support

At this point, it is a good idea to put a dowel or plant stick into the ground close to the trunk of the tree, but be careful not to break or damage roots. This will support the tree as it grows, and will keep it growing straight.

Step 11: Adding Mulch

Add mulch around the tree approximately one to two feet in diameter. This will protect the roots in the cold weather, and will help to keep in moisture during the warmer months.

Don’t let the mulch rest directly on the tree trunk as this can cause rotting, pull it away approximately an inch or so.

Make sure not to let your newly planted tree get dried out, keep it watered (especially in the warmer seasons) until the roots get well established at least two to three months.

For more on planting root ball trees click here

About The Author:

Debbie Russell works as a special event coordinator for a parks and recreation department in Tennessee, but also utilizes her life long experience in gardening and landscaping creating beautiful beds and gardens for the parks. When not a work, she is at home landscaping and gardening her seven acres. She raises chickens, and enjoys crafting and quilting.