Bare root plants (trees, shrubs, and perennials) are harvested and sold while dormant, meaning they have no leaves and the roots are not surrounded by soil. This method makes them lighter and more efficient to ship, but leaves the root system highly vulnerable to desiccation. Temporary storage is frequently necessary when plants arrive before the soil is workable, due to weather delays, or while preparing the planting site. The primary goal during storage is to maintain deep dormancy and prevent the fine root hairs from drying out, achieved through cool temperatures and consistent moisture.
Immediate Care and Holding for 72 Hours
The first 24 to 72 hours after a bare root plant arrives represents a brief but critical window for triage before deciding on a longer-term storage solution. Upon receipt, the roots should be immediately inspected to ensure the packing material, typically shredded paper, sawdust, or sphagnum moss, is still damp. If the roots appear dry or brittle, they should be misted or soaked in tepid water for a few minutes to rehydrate, but avoid extended soaking which can deplete oxygen and cause root rot.
After inspection, the plant should be returned to its original packaging, ensuring the moist material is firmly pressed around all the roots to maintain high humidity. The ideal holding environment for this short-term period is a cool, dark, and sheltered space where the temperature stays just above freezing. An unheated basement, garage, or shed is suitable, as these locations help keep the plant in a dormant state while protecting the roots from temperature extremes and drying winds. The root moisture should be checked daily, adding a light mist of water if the packing material begins to feel dry to the touch.
Refrigerated Storage for Extending Dormancy
When planting must be delayed beyond a few days, refrigerated storage is the best method for maintaining dormancy for an intermediate period, typically lasting from one to four weeks. The goal is to simulate the stable, cold temperatures of winter, which prevents the plant’s buds from breaking and starting new growth. The optimal temperature range for this type of storage is between 34°F and 40°F, which effectively slows down the plant’s metabolic processes.
For successful refrigeration, the roots should be encased in a material that holds moisture without becoming waterlogged, such as slightly damp peat moss, wood shavings, or shredded paper. This root ball should then be sealed within a plastic bag or a container with a few small air holes to trap humidity while allowing minimal gas exchange. Store the plants away from ripening fruits, such as apples or pears, because they release ethylene gas, a natural plant hormone that can prematurely end dormancy and cause damage. Controlling the temperature and moisture level in this sealed environment safely extends the plant’s viability until the planting window reopens.
Outdoor Temporary Planting: The Heeling-In Method
For the longest temporary delay, sometimes extending several weeks or even a month or two, the technique known as “heeling-in” is the most effective outdoor solution. Heeling-in involves temporarily burying the bare root system in soil to provide the roots with protection, moisture, and insulation until the permanent site is ready. The process begins by selecting a sheltered, well-drained location that receives partial shade, which helps prevent the plants from heating up and breaking dormancy.
A V-shaped trench is dug, large enough to accommodate the entire root mass of the plants without crowding them. The plants are then laid into the trench at a shallow angle, with the trunks or stems resting against the sloping side. The entire root system and the lower portion of the stem are covered with loose material, such as garden soil, sand, or compost, ensuring that no air pockets remain around the roots.
Immediately after heeling-in, the soil covering the roots must be thoroughly watered to settle the material and establish good contact between the soil particles and the delicate root hairs. The roots must be kept consistently moist but not saturated during the entire temporary storage period. This method protects the roots from drying out and offers insulation from freezing temperatures, allowing the gardener to delay planting without compromising the plant’s health.