Bare root stock is a traditional and effective method of distributing woody plants without soil around their roots. These plants are typically harvested from the nursery field while they are completely dormant, which protects them from the shock of being moved. The term describes the physical condition where the entire root structure is visible. This method allows growers to store and ship plants efficiently and provides a specific window of time for successful planting.
What Bare Root Means and How It Differs
Bare root stock refers to a tree or shrub that has been dug up after shedding its leaves in the fall and before budding in the spring, which is the plant’s period of dormancy. During harvesting, the field soil is mechanically shaken or washed away, leaving the root system completely exposed. The roots are then packed in materials like moist sawdust, peat moss, or shredded paper to retain hydration during transport and storage.
This method stands in contrast to other forms of nursery stock, which carry a heavy mass of soil. Balled-and-burlapped (B&B) trees are dug with a large soil ball wrapped in burlap, which can weigh hundreds of pounds and involves cutting a significant portion of the root system. Containerized trees are grown in pots, which maintains the soil medium but can lead to the formation of circling or girdling roots. Bare root planting eliminates the weight and bulk of soil, and allows for direct inspection of the root structure.
Dormancy makes the bare root method possible, as the plant is not actively growing or losing moisture through transpiration. This short window, usually late winter to early spring, is the only time bare root plants can be safely handled and planted. Unlike B&B or container stock, which can be planted with greater flexibility, bare root trees must be planted before they begin to break bud.
Advantages of Planting Bare Root Stock
Choosing bare root stock offers distinct benefits, particularly regarding cost and ease of handling. Since there is no heavy soil or container material, the plants are significantly lighter, which translates into lower labor costs for the nursery and reduced shipping expenses for the buyer. Bare root trees can cost 30 to 50 percent less than the same size tree sold in a container, making them a budget-friendly option.
The lack of a surrounding soil mass provides an advantage for root establishment. When planted, the roots immediately interact with the native garden soil without having to transition from a different nursery soil mix. This direct contact encourages the rapid growth of new feeder roots into the surrounding environment, promoting quicker establishment than the root ball of a B&B or container tree.
Furthermore, the exposed roots allow the planter to fully inspect the entire root system for damage or undesirable growth patterns. Any broken, diseased, or circling roots can be cleanly pruned away before planting, which is difficult or impossible to do with balled-and-burlapped or potted stock. This action helps ensure the tree starts its life with a healthy, outward-growing root structure, foundational for long-term health and stability.
Essential Care and Planting Procedures
Upon receiving a bare root tree, immediate care focuses on preventing the fine root hairs from drying out, which can quickly kill the plant. If planting cannot happen immediately, the roots must be kept moist and cool, typically by storing them in a shaded, unheated area while keeping the packing material damp. Before planting, soak the entire root system in water for a minimum of two hours and up to 12 hours to rehydrate the tissues. Soaking for longer than 24 hours can drown the roots.
The planting hole should be dug wide, about two to three times the width of the spread-out root system, but only deep enough so the root flare sits level with or slightly above the surrounding grade. A slight mound of soil can be formed in the center of the hole, and the tree is positioned so the roots can be draped naturally over this cone. This technique ensures the roots are spread out rather than confined or circling.
Backfill the hole with the original soil, gently tamping it down to remove large air pockets, ensuring good contact between the roots and the soil particles. After the hole is filled, immediately water deeply and thoroughly to further settle the soil and eliminate any remaining small air pockets.
Apply a two to four-inch layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips, around the planting area to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature. Keep the mulch several inches away from the trunk to prevent rot. Consistent watering throughout the first growing season is necessary for the tree to establish a robust root system.