In the January gardening to do list, I wrote “This is an ideal time for planting bare root trees and shrubs, like fruit trees or a birch, ornamental trees like Japanese Maple and shrubs like Roses, Hydrangea, Raspberries or Viburnum. Bare-root planting is an excellent way to save money, and the plants often establish quickly if planted properly”. I promised you a Step-by-step guide to planting bare root trees and shrubs, so off we go.
What are bare root trees and shrubs?
Bare-root trees and shrubs (in Dutch zonder kluit) are sold without soil around their roots, typically during their dormant season fall to early spring and that is between October and April. But be aware it should not freeze during that period because for the roots it is too difficult to get through the ground in case of frost.
Examples of trees and shrubs, like mentioned above:
- Fruit trees
- Birch
- Oak
- Magnolia
- Japanese Maple
- Roses
- Hydrangea
- Raspberries
- Viburnum
Choose the right spot
- Ensure the location gets the appropriate amount of sunlight for the tree or shrub (e.g., full sun for most fruit trees). Usually this is mentioned in the accompanying card with information about the tree or shrub.
- Check for good drainage to prevent waterlogging around the roots. For sandy soil, mix some compost or planting soil into the soil and the top of the roots should be level with the soil surface. For clay soil, use compost, leaf mold, rotted manure and green manure to improve the structure of clay soil and, above all, loosen the soil well. aterlogging around the roots.
Prepare the plant
- Inspect the roots and trim any damaged or broken roots with clean, sharp pruning shears.
- Soak the roots by placing the bare roots in a bucket of water for 1–2 hours (no more than 24 hours because if soaked too long they can rot). This rehydrates the plant before planting.
Dig the planting hole
- Dig a wide, shallow hole. The hole should be about twice the width of the root system and deep enough to allow the roots to spread out naturally.
- For trees: The planting depth should match the “root flare” (where the roots meet the trunk) with the soil surface.
Find a video of Gardeners World how to plant bare root trees.
Water thoroughly and add mulch
- After planting, water deeply to settle the soil around the roots.
- Spread a layer of mulch (like wood chips or straw) around the base, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk or stems to avoid rot. More about mulching here
Support if needed
- For tall bare-root trees, consider staking them to prevent them from being uprooted by wind. Use soft ties to avoid damaging the trunk.
Prune the top
- Some bare-root trees, especially fruit trees, may need a light prune to balance the root-to-shoot ratio and encourage branching.
Monitor and maintain
- Water: Keep the soil moist but not soggy during the first year to help roots establish.
- Protect: Use tree guards or fencing to prevent damage from animals.
Ready to give your garden a head start this season? Use this step-by-step guide to planting bare-root trees and shrubs. It is an easy, cost-effective way to create a thriving outdoor space. Start planning your garden now; visit your local nursery or order your bare-root plants online today! Do you have questions, or do you need more tips? Leave a comment below or share your gardening journey with us!
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