How to Plant and Care for Bare-Root Trees

Planting trees is one of the most rewarding activities for any gardener or homeowner. If you’ve recently been introduced to bare-root trees, you might be wondering why more people are turning to this cost-effective and eco-friendly planting option. Whether you’re creating a food forest, enhancing your backyard, or starting a home orchard, bare-root trees are a game-changer.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from understanding bare-root trees to planting and caring for them effectively. By the end, you’ll feel empowered and ready to grow a thriving, long-lasting landscape.

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What Are Bare-Root Trees?

Bare-root trees are exactly what they sound like—trees shipped without soil around their roots. This is one of the key ways they differ from potted or balled-and-burlapped trees (B&B). Unlike their counterparts, bare-root trees are dug up during their dormant season, allowing them to be handled more easily and shipped directly to you.

How Do Bare-Root Trees Differ from Other Trees?

• Potted Trees are grown in containers with soil and are ready to plant year-round. However, their root systems are often less adaptable.
• Balled-and-Burlapped Trees are dug up with a large portion of their root ball wrapped in burlap, which protects the roots but makes them heavier and costlier to ship.
• Bare-Root Trees, by contrast, are lightweight, easy to handle, and establish stronger roots once planted.

Benefits of Bare-Root Trees

1. Cost-Effective: Bare-root trees are significantly cheaper than potted or B&B trees because they’re easier to harvest and transport.
2. Stronger Root Establishment: Without the constraints of a pot or burlap, the roots adapt quickly to your soil, promoting healthy growth.
3. Greater Variety: Nurseries offer a wider range of species and varieties in bare-root form.

Bare-root trees give you a chance to expand your food forest, orchard, or garden with less effort and expense—making them a favorite among both beginners and experienced landscapers.

When and Why to Plant Bare-Root Trees

The best time to plant bare-root trees is during their dormant season, which typically falls between late winter and early spring. Here’s why timing is critical for their success.

Ideal Planting Window

Bare-root trees need to be planted while they are still dormant; this minimizes transplant shock and allows roots to establish before active growth begins. Aim to plant them after the last hard frost but before buds start breaking. Your local planting zone can help fine-tune this timeframe.

Storing Bare-Root Trees

Can’t plant immediately? You’ll need to safely store your trees to keep their roots moist and healthy.

• Store them in a cool, dark place (like a garage or cellar).
• Wrap the roots in damp burlap or sawdust to retain moisture.
• Avoid storing them for more than a week—plant as quickly as possible!

Signs It’s Too Late or Too Early

• Too early? The ground is still frozen, making it impossible to dig effectively.
• Too late? The tree may have already broken dormancy, meaning it’s actively growing, which increases the chances of transplant failure.

Preparing to Plant Bare-Root Trees

Before you dig that hole, proper preparation is key.

Choosing the Right Site

Select a sunny, well-draining spot that suits the eventual size of your tree. Proper spacing is critical for long-term growth—Fruit tree tags recommend 15-20 feet spacing, but that’s not needed! With pruning, you can plant trees closer. Check out our posts to maximize your orchard space!

Digging the Hole

• Lay the foundation: To prepare a planting area, start by cutting through the grass a few inches deep with a shovel. Turn the shovel horizontally to separate the grass roots from the soil, then remove the grass to create a clean, circular space for your tree. This step is important unless you’re planting in a pre-prepared area, like a food forest. Once the grass is cleared, dig the hole. You can discard the grass or place it at the bottom of the hole if suitable. For a neat finish, consider adding a natural edge around the planting area.
• Wide, Not Deep: Aim for a hole about twice as wide as the tree’s root spread but not deeper than the roots themselves. This wide shape encourages outward root growth.
• Test Drainage: After digging the hole, fill it with water. If the water takes more than a few hours to drain, this could indicate a drainage problem but it could also just be saturated ground from winter rains. Poor drainage can lead to issues like root rot or stunted growth, so consider amending the soil with a little bit or organic matter or choosing a better location to ensure your tree thrives.

Step-by-Step Guide to Planting a Bare-Root Tree

1. 1. Inspect the Roots Check the roots for any damage or overly long growth. Trim any broken, diseased, or extremely long roots with sharp pruners. This promotes healthy root establishment.
   2. Dig the Hole Make the hole wide and shallow, as mentioned earlier. Create a small mound of soil in the center of the hole to help position the roots naturally.
   3. Position the Tree Place the tree on the mound, spreading the roots evenly. Keep the graft union at least 2–3 inches above soil level and also position the uppermost root just below the soil line to avoid planting too deep. Proper depth ensures oxygen flow to the roots and supports healthy growth.
   4. Backfill with Native Soil Use the native soil you excavated during planting to backfill around the roots. Start by filling the hole halfway, then gently tap down the soil and water thoroughly. Afterward, fill the rest of the hole, tap down again, and water to encourage outward root growth, improve nutrient absorption, and promote stronger, more stable plant health over time.
   5. Add Compost and Mulch Apply 2-3 inches of compost around the base of the tree, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk to feed the tree and encourage healthy growth. Then, add 2-3 inches of shredded bark mulch on top of the compost, also keeping it several inches away from the trunk to prevent rot and retain moisture.

Caring for Your Bare-Root Tree After Planting

Now that your tree is planted, the first year of care is critical for long-term success.

Watering

Water regularly to keep the root zone moist—how often will depend on your climate but i water every 2 or 3 days during the first growing season. Keep the root zone consistently moist but not saturated.

Pro Tip: Aim to provide your plants with about an inch of water per week. A helpful rule of thumb is that 0.62 gallons of water will cover one square foot with 1 inch of water. For example, if you’ve dug a hole measuring 3’x3′ (9 square feet), you’ll need approximately 5.5 gallons of water spread out over 2-3 waterings throughout the week.

Pruning

Prune immediately after planting to shape the tree and encourage a strong structure. Remove broken branches and thin out excess growth. We’ve put together a few pruning guides to help you learn different ways to prune a tree, including Open Center, KGB, UFO, and Tall Spindle methods. We’ll be linking to our pruning guide soon!

Avoid These Common Bare-Root Tree Mistakes

Everyone makes mistakes, but here’s how to prevent some of the most common ones.

1. 1. 1. 1. • Planting too deep or too shallow.
            • Overwatering or underwatering during the first year.
            • Failing to protect young trees from wildlife (like deer or rabbits) or harsh weather.

Long-Term Care Tips

After the first year, regular care will help your tree establish itself and thrive for decades.

1. 1. 1. 1. • Monitor for transplant shock during the first few months. Signs include wilting, poor growth, and scorched leaves.
            • Transition to long-term watering and fertilizing schedules as the tree matures.
            • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases and treat early for best results.

Most bare-root fruit trees will start producing within 2–5 years, depending on the species. Patience and care will reward you tenfold with flowers, shade, or fruit to enjoy.

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Unlock the Joy of Planting Bare-Root Trees

Planting bare-root trees is one of the most affordable and effective ways to grow a lush garden or orchard. From proper preparation to long-term care, these trees offer unmatched adaptability and resilience.

Are you ready to take the plunge into home gardening or orchard cultivation? Like our Facebook page for more expert tree care tips and to follow along and see everything we’re cultivating! Stay updated with step-by-step guidance, expert tips, and timely insights for all kinds of crops. Let’s grow together!