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Have you ordered trees online before? If not, you may be wondering what it’s like to buy trees over the internet. Most trees and shrubs purchased over the internet are shipped to customers as bare-root trees. Bare root trees can be very high quality, adapting to their new home in your yard quickly when cared for correctly.
Bare root trees are young trees that are shipped with little to no soil around the roots. Because they are shipped during dormancy, a bare root tree will generally look like a stick with some roots on one end. The roots and residual soil are often wrapped in a plastic bag for shipping.
Although bare root trees look a bit odd when they arrive, they are often quick to establish in their new environment. Bare root trees are also less expensive than conventionally packaged trees in pots. Lastly, a greater variety of trees are available in bare root form due to their ease of shipping from faraway locations.
Trees that are shipped in bare root form are generally deciduous trees that lose their leaves in the wintertime during a period of dormancy. At the nursery, the trees are dug up after they go dormant (usually in the fall). The roots are then wrapped up with a bit of moist soil or sawdust and then placed in a cool storage location to await shipping.
Once the trees are ordered online (or over the phone/mail), they are packed up into long cardboard boxes and shipped to customers using express shipping options. Shipping generally occurs in the late winter to early spring to coincide with the dormant period for the trees.
Bare root trees ordered online are great fun to receive in the mail. It’s amazing to get a tree from many miles away shipped straight to your home, and usually for a very reasonable price.
Although it is possible to order evergreens, most bare-root trees ordered online are deciduous trees (which lose their leaves in the winter). Deciduous trees respond better to shipping because they do not lose much moisture during the process (because they don’t have leaves while they are dormant).
Open the box immediately to inspect your trees. Remove all packing materials from around the trees and roots. If the trees look like they may have been damaged during shipping, take a photo immediately to record and report the damage.
Upon receiving your trees, the most important thing for the health and success of your trees is to check the roots for dryness. Dry roots are not good! If the roots look dry, soak them for eight hours in a bucket of water (immediately). Also, look for signs of life such as buds. There may even be a few small green leaves if the tree has broken dormancy during shipping.
Plant your bare root trees as soon as you receive them (if the ground is unfrozen in your area). Before planting, check the forecast and weather records from previous years for upcoming weather patterns in your area. Do not plant your trees outdoors yet if there is a chance your area could still experience particularly harsh winter conditions.
If the ground in your yard is frozen (or completely saturated with water) when you receive the order, the tree may have to be stored until it is possible to plant it in the ground. Dormant trees (no leaves or other signs of growth) can continue to be stored in cold storage or in sheltered/mild outdoor areas. Keep the roots moist by repacking them with the shipping material, moist leaves, or moist shredded newspaper.
Bare root trees can also be planted in containers with some moist potting soil if the ground is still frozen. Trees can be temporarily potted up and placed outdoors in a sheltered area. If you are expecting harsh freezing weather or if the trees are exhibiting signs of spring life such as green leaves, keep the trees indoors and ease them out of dormancy where they are protected. Keep indoor trees well-watered and mist them with water to combat low indoor humidity.
Watering your new bare root tree is especially important during the first few seasons following planting. Keep the tree well-watered, particularly during hot spells, to help it become established. I’ve found that the best way to do this is by installing automated drip irrigation to the tree. Installing your own drip lines is quick, easy, and very affordable. It will help you protect your investment, while also being very efficient in terms of water use. Check out these instructions on how to install your own drip irrigation.
In the spring, give your new tree a light feeding with some organic fertilizer. I like to use a nice top dressing of homemade leaf compost along with some worm castings. These are two organic soil amendments that will help to feed your tree without synthetic chemicals.
If you are planning to purchase and plant bare root trees, there are a few important things to keep in mind to ensure their successful growth and development. Learn more here!
The best time to plant bare root trees is typically in the dormant season, which is in late fall or early spring, when the soil is moist and workable but not frozen. In general, it’s best to plant bare root trees as soon as possible after they have been dug up and before they have a chance to dry out or become damaged.
There are several advantages to using bare root plants, including:
Cost-effectiveness: Bare root plants are typically less expensive than their potted counterparts. This is because they are easier to handle and ship, and they require less soil and nutrients during their growth period.
Ease of planting: Bare root plants are lighter and easier to handle than potted plants, making them easier to transport and plant. They also establish quickly and are less likely to experience transplant shock.
More extensive root system: Bare root plants typically have a more extensive root system than potted plants. This is because the roots are not constricted by a container and have more space to grow and spread out in the soil.
Greater adaptability: Bare root plants are generally more adaptable to new environments than potted plants. This is because they have not become accustomed to a particular soil type or moisture level, and their roots are able to adjust more easily to their new surroundings.
Availability: Bare root plants are often more readily available than potted plants, as they can be easily transported and stored for longer periods of time. This makes them a great option for gardeners who want to plant early in the season or who are looking for a particular species or variety.
Overall, bare root plants can be a great option for gardeners looking for a cost-effective, easy-to-plant, and adaptable plant with a healthy root system.
The lifespan of bare roots can vary depending on a number of factors, including the species of plant, the storage conditions, and how well they were cared for before planting.
In general, bare root plants should be planted as soon as possible after they are received, ideally within a day or two. If you are unable to plant them right away, you can store them for a short period of time by placing them in a cool, moist location such as a root cellar or refrigerator. However, it’s important to note that they should not be allowed to freeze.
If stored properly, most bare root plants can remain viable for several days to a few weeks. However, it’s best to plant them as soon as possible to ensure the best chance of survival.
Once planted, the lifespan of a bare root plant will depend on its species and how well it is cared for. With proper care and growing conditions, many bare root plants can live for several years or even decades.
Learn more about how to space and plan your landscaping by clicking below.