Bare root plants are a specialized, cost-effective way to purchase trees, shrubs, and perennials while they are in a state of dormancy. This method involves selling plants without any soil surrounding their roots, making them significantly lighter and easier to transport than container-grown stock. The process requires specific handling and planting techniques to ensure the plant successfully transitions to active growth in its new location.
Defining Bare Root Plants
A bare root plant is grown in a field, dug up, and then stored and shipped without a pot or soil. This process typically occurs in late fall or early spring, corresponding with the plant’s natural dormant season when its metabolism is suspended. The roots are usually packed in materials like peat moss, shredded paper, or sawdust to maintain moisture during transit.
This method provides substantial advantages over purchasing container-grown plants, starting with a 30 to 50 percent reduction in cost due to decreased labor and shipping weight. Because the plant is dormant and free of heavy soil, it experiences less transplant shock when placed directly into native soil. The roots begin to establish immediately without the barrier of transitioning from a foreign potting mix, which leads to quicker overall establishment.
Bare root stock is often available in a wider selection of species and cultivars, particularly for fruit trees and specialty ornamentals. The lack of soil also allows the gardener to inspect the entire root system for quality and health before planting.
Handling and Preparation Before Planting
The period between receiving the bare root plant and placing it in the ground is a critical window, as the exposed roots must be prevented from drying out. If immediate planting is not possible, the plant must be stored in a cool, dark, and non-freezing location, such as a basement or refrigerator, with temperatures ideally around 40°F. The packing material around the roots must remain moist to prevent desiccation.
Before planting, carefully unwrap the roots and inspect them for any damage that may have occurred during shipping. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to remove any broken, mushy, or diseased roots, making a clean cut just above the damaged section. This pruning encourages the development of new, healthy feeder roots once the plant is in the ground.
The most important preparation step is mandatory hydration, which involves soaking the entire root system in a bucket of cool water. The soaking period can range from 4 to 6 hours up to a maximum of 24 hours, depending on the plant species and how dry the roots appear. This action rehydrates the plant tissues before they begin the process of establishing in the soil.
The Planting Process and Initial Care
The planting hole should be prepared to be two to three times wider than the spread of the root system, but only as deep as the roots themselves. Digging a wide hole loosens the surrounding native soil, making it easier for newly emerging roots to penetrate and grow outward. The depth should ensure that the plant’s root flare—the point where the stem or trunk widens to meet the roots—is positioned at or slightly above the final ground level.
A small mound of soil should be built at the center of the planting hole, and the plant is placed on top of this cone. The roots must be gently spread out and draped down the sides of the mound, ensuring they are not curled or cramped in the hole. Once the plant is correctly positioned, backfill the hole with the original soil, working it carefully around the roots to eliminate large air pockets.
After the hole is completely backfilled, lightly tamp the soil with your hands or foot to secure the plant and establish good contact between the roots and the soil particles. A deep, thorough initial watering is necessary immediately following planting. This saturates the soil and forces out any remaining small air pockets that can dry out delicate feeder roots.
For immediate post-planting care, apply a 2 to 4-inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the plant to help retain soil moisture and regulate temperature. Keep the mulch several inches away from the trunk or stem to prevent moisture buildup and potential rot. Consistent watering is required for the first few weeks as the plant breaks dormancy, ensuring the soil remains evenly moist until the plant is visibly established.