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If you want to improve your garden or yard, bare-root trees are a fantastic choice! Bare-root trees, unlike regular potted trees, come without soil around their roots, simplifying their planting and making them more cost-effective. Proper care allows these trees to proliferate and stay healthy for many years. This easy-to-follow guide will help you understand what bare root trees are and how to plant and care for them.
1. What Are Bare Root Trees?
Bare root trees are young trees sold with their roots uncovered and typically wrapped to keep them moist. Given that they are dormant (or resting) and simple to store and transport, here are some reasons you might want to consider bare-root trees:
- Affordable: Bare root trees often cost less than those in pots, allowing you to plant more trees without spending too much.
- Lightweight: Since they don’t have soil, these trees are lighter and easier to move around and plant.
- Quick to Grow: Without the pot holding them back, the roots of bare root trees can settle into the ground more efficiently, which helps them grow better and stronger.
Why Go for Bare Root Trees?
Besides being cost-effective and simple to handle, bare root trees often experience less shock when moved to their new home. Their immediate contact with the soil allows them to better absorb nutrients and adapt to their environment more quickly. Overall, they can be an excellent option for beautifying their landscape!
2. When to Plant
Timing is very important when planting bare-root trees. Choosing the right moment helps ensure the trees grow healthy and strong.
Best Seasons to Plant: The ideal times to plant bare-root trees are early spring and late fall. These seasons allow the trees to develop their roots without the extra strain of supporting leaves or fruit. Make sure the ground is thawed and easy to work with, and plant the trees before they start to grow leaves.
- Watch the Weather: Try not to plant when there’s a chance of heavy frost or when it’s very cold outside. The best days for planting are mild and pleasant, which helps reduce stress on the trees.
Tip: If you need help determining when to plant, go for the time just after the last frost of winter and before the first frost of fall.
3. Planting Step-by-Step
Doing it right when you plant is key to helping bare-root trees thrive. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Soak the Roots
Before planting, soak the roots in a bucket of water for 3–6 hours. This will help revive them after moving and prepare them to settle into their new home.
Step 2: Digging the Hole
Create a hole that allows the roots to freely expand without any pressure. The hole should be approximately 2-3 times wider than the roots and deep enough to ensure that the grafted tree’s attachment to its rootstock is a few inches above the soil.
- Keep the Depth Right: Avoid digging too deep, which could cause the tree to settle lower over time and lead to rotting at the base.
Step 3: Position the Tree
Place the tree carefully in the center of the hole. Spread the roots evenly to avoid tangles or folds that could hinder their proper growth.
- Don’t Bury the Graft Union: Make sure the graft union stays above the ground. Planting it too deep could cause issues with the tree’s health and growth.
Step 4: Fill the Hole Back In
Use the soil you dug out to fill the hole again, gently packing it down as you go to avoid any air pockets. Firm up the soil lightly around the base of the tree to keep it stable, but don’t pack it too tightly, as the roots still need some space to grow and breathe.
4. Caring for New Trees: A Simple Guide
Taking care of new trees after planting is essential for helping them grow strong. Here are some simple steps to follow:
Watering
When you plant your tree, give it a good drink of water immediately. This helps the soil settle around the roots and gives the tree the moisture it needs to grow. Keep watering your tree regularly for the first year, especially during dry times.
- Watering Tips: Aim to water your tree at least once a week. Make sure the soil feels moist but not soaked. Deep watering encourages the roots to grow deeper, which helps the tree withstand dry conditions later on.
Mulching
Putting mulch (like bark chips or straw) around the base of your tree offers several great benefits:
- Keeps Soil Moist: A layer of mulch about 2-3 inches thick helps the soil stay wet.
- Protects Temperature: It keeps the ground warm in winter and cool in summer.
- Blocks Weeds: Mulch stops weeds from growing, which can hog your tree’s nutrients.
Keep the mulch a few inches from the trunk to prevent rotting and unwanted pests.
Staking
Sometimes, it’s helpful to stake your tree for support, especially if you live in a windy area or have sandy soil.
- How to Stake: Use soft straps to secure it gently, which won’t hurt the bark.
- When to Remove: After the first year, take the stakes out so the tree can grow strong.
5. Common Mistakes to Watch Out For
Even with good intentions, a few common mistakes can make it harder for trees to thrive. Here are some things to avoid:
- Planting Too Deep: Make sure the spot where the trunk meets the roots (called the graft union) is above the ground. Planting too deep can cause root problems.
- Not Spreading the Roots: If the roots are clumped together, they might not grow out properly. Make sure they fan out when you plant.
- Watering Issues: Both too little and too much water can harm the tree. Try to keep a steady watering routine without soaking the soil.
Fun Fact
Did you know that bare root trees are lighter and easier to transport? Because they don’t come with soil, more trees can fit in each shipment, saving fuel and reducing pollution.
Conclusion
Bare root trees are an innovative and cost-effective choice for improving your yard. By learning how to plant and care for them, you can help them grow strong and healthy. With the right attention during planting and after, these trees will bring beauty and ecological benefits to your home for years.
