A bare root tree is a plant sold in a dormant state without any soil surrounding its roots. These plants are grown in the field, harvested during their inactive season, and shipped with exposed root systems, often packed in moisture-retaining material. This method allows for easier, less expensive shipping and often results in a more robust root system compared to container-grown stock. Since the plant is dormant, the primary challenge upon arrival is to prevent the roots from drying out before planting. Storage is necessary when the trees arrive before the soil is workable as a result of frozen ground, excessive rain, or a delay in site preparation. The goal of any storage method is to maintain the plant’s dormancy and ensure the roots remain moist until the tree can be placed in its final location.
Initial Preparation and Hydration
The first action upon receiving a bare root shipment is to immediately open the packaging and inspect the contents. Confirm the roots are still moist and check for any broken or damaged roots or stems, which can be pruned off cleanly with sharp shears. If the packing material feels dry, it must be re-moistened with a light spray of water.
The roots must be rehydrated before any storage or planting takes place. This is accomplished by soaking the entire root system in a bucket of cool water. The soaking period should be limited to between two and six hours to allow the tissues to fully absorb water without causing oxygen deprivation. Soaking for longer than 24 hours is not advised, as it can be detrimental to the roots, which require oxygen to survive.
Short-Term Storage (Up to Two Weeks)
For the most common scenario, where planting will occur within two weeks, cold storage is the most effective way to keep the tree dormant. The plant must be kept in a consistently cool, dark environment where the temperature remains above freezing but low enough to prevent bud break. An ideal temperature range for this short-term storage is between 34 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit (1 to 4 degrees Celsius).
A household refrigerator can be used for smaller stock, provided the roots are sealed to prevent moisture loss. Ensure the unit does not contain ripening fruits or vegetables, as they release ethylene gas, which can prematurely break dormancy and damage the stored trees. Larger stock can be stored in an unheated garage, cool basement, or root cellar, as long as the location is protected from direct sunlight, drafts, and freezing temperatures.
To maintain moisture, the roots should be returned to their original packaging, or wrapped in plastic or burlap with damp material surrounding them. Check the moisture level of the packing material every few days, adding a small amount of water if it begins to feel dry, but avoiding saturation which can lead to mold or rot. By keeping the trees in this cool, dark, and humid environment, the plant’s energy reserves are preserved until the soil is ready to be worked.
Extended Storage: The Heeling-In Method
When a delay of more than two weeks is expected, or if suitable cold storage space is unavailable, the temporary planting technique known as “heeling-in” is the alternative. This method involves burying the roots in a temporary location to protect them from desiccation and temperature extremes. The heeling-in site should be in a sheltered area that receives full shade to keep the soil cool and delay the tree from breaking dormancy.
To begin the process, a V-shaped trench or hole must be dug deep enough to accommodate the entire root system of the tree. The plant is then laid into the trench at an angle, often around 45 degrees, which helps prevent the buds from swelling prematurely. The roots are completely covered with a loose medium, such as native soil, sand, compost, or sawdust, ensuring that no air pockets remain around the root crown.
The covering material must be firmed gently to secure the tree and then kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged, throughout the storage period. This temporary planting protects the roots from drying winds and fluctuating temperatures. When the time comes for permanent planting, the tree is carefully lifted from the trench and immediately transplanted into its final location.