A tree removed from the soil, whether for transplanting, as a bare-root acquisition, or following an uprooting, faces an immediate survival challenge. The length of time a tree can exist out of the ground is not fixed, ranging dramatically from mere minutes to several weeks. This variability depends entirely on the tree’s state of dormancy, the severity of environmental conditions, and the protective measures taken for the roots. Understanding these biological threats and preparation methods is the first step in maximizing the tree’s chance of long-term survival.
The Critical Role of Root Desiccation
The primary factor limiting a tree’s survival outside of the soil is the rapid loss of water from its root system, a process known as desiccation. The fine, fibrous feeder roots are the tree’s main interface for absorbing water and nutrients.
Once exposed, these delicate tissues begin to dry and shrink, rapidly losing their ability to function. These fine roots have a high surface area and a thin epidermis, making them extremely vulnerable to drying out when exposed to air. High temperatures, low humidity, and especially wind accelerate this desiccation process, potentially leading to irreversible damage within minutes or a few hours. When the fine roots die, the tree cannot effectively replenish the water lost through its leaves, often resulting in transplant failure.
Survival Windows Based on Root Preparation
The expected survival time out of the ground is heavily influenced by the method used to harvest or package the tree. Bare-root trees, which are dug up while dormant with all soil removed, have the shortest window for survival. Because their fine roots are fully exposed, they are at the highest risk of desiccation and generally must be planted within a few hours to a few days. If the dormancy is broken and the tree is actively growing, this timeframe shrinks dramatically.
Trees harvested as balled and burlap (B&B) have a more moderate survival window, typically lasting from several days up to one or two weeks. The surrounding soil mass, held together by burlap and a wire basket, provides a buffer against temperature fluctuations and helps retain moisture around the roots. This soil ball reduces the exposure of the feeder roots, but the tree still requires the ball to be kept consistently damp to prevent the roots from drying out.
Containerized trees offer the longest and most flexible option, as they are technically still in a growing medium. Provided the container is watered regularly, these trees can survive indefinitely outside of a permanent planting site. While this method bypasses the immediate survival threat, the tree must still be protected from extreme heat and consistently monitored for moisture levels until it can be placed in the ground.
Immediate Steps for Short-Term Storage
When immediate planting is not possible, the focus must shift to mitigating the threat of desiccation and maintaining the tree’s dormancy. The roots must be protected from exposure to sun and wind at all times, as these elements rapidly wick away moisture. The tree should be moved to a cool, dark environment, such as a garage or shaded area, to slow down its metabolic rate and prevent water loss.
For bare-root trees, the roots should be kept continuously damp but never submerged in standing water, which can lead to root suffocation and rot. Wrapping the root system in a moist material, such as wet burlap or sphagnum moss, and then sealing it in a plastic bag or tarp is an effective short-term measure. Soaking bare roots in water for a brief period, typically no more than one to two hours, can rehydrate them without causing damage.
If the delay is expected to last longer than a few days, a method called “heeling in” provides a better temporary solution. This involves digging a shallow trench in a shady spot and temporarily burying the tree’s roots entirely with loose soil, mulch, or sand. Heeling in ensures full contact between the root tissues and a moisture source, effectively simulating planting and protecting the root system until the tree can be moved to its final location.