A bare root plant is a dormant specimen, such as a tree, shrub, or perennial, sold and shipped without any soil surrounding its root system. These plants are harvested from the field during their winter resting phase, allowing the soil to be washed away. This method offers several advantages, including reduced cost and weight, making them easier to ship than container-grown counterparts. Planting a bare root specimen encourages its roots to establish directly into the native soil, leading to a strong, well-adapted root system for long-term growth.
Immediate Handling and Temporary Storage
The most significant threat to a bare root plant upon arrival is desiccation, or drying out of the delicate roots. It is imperative to open the packaging immediately and inspect the roots to ensure the surrounding material, such as sphagnum moss or shredded paper, remains damp. If the roots appear slightly dry, apply a light misting of water to the packing material to restore moisture. Avoid soaking the roots completely at this stage.
If planting is delayed, keep the roots moist and store the plant in a cool, dark location, such as an unheated garage or basement, where temperatures remain between 34 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit. For smaller plants like strawberries or perennials, storing the roots in a plastic bag with moistened packing material in a refrigerator can keep them dormant for up to two weeks. A longer-term solution is “heeling in,” which involves digging a shallow trench in a shaded spot and burying the roots in loose soil or sawdust until permanent planting.
Preparing the Roots for Planting
The preparation phase begins just before the plant is set into its permanent location, focusing on rehydration and inspection. The first step is to soak the roots in a bucket of water for a period of time to fully rehydrate them after storage. Woody plants, like trees and shrubs, benefit from a soak lasting between three and six hours. Never soak them for more than 24 hours to prevent oxygen deprivation.
While the roots are soaking, examine the root mass for any signs of damage, such as broken, bruised, or discolored sections. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to remove these damaged roots with a clean cut. Removing damaged roots encourages the plant to produce new, healthy growth once planted. Lightly trimming the ends of healthy roots, called “tip pruning,” further stimulates the development of feeder roots.
Step-by-Step Planting Technique
Before starting the planting process, select a site that provides the correct light and drainage requirements for your specific plant variety. Dig a planting hole that is wide but not excessively deep, aiming for a diameter two to three times the width of the spread-out root system. The goal is to loosen the surrounding soil to encourage outward root growth.
Create a small, firm cone or mound of soil in the center of the planting hole to serve as a pedestal for the plant. Place the plant on this cone and carefully drape the roots downward and outward, ensuring they are not bent or forced. The proper planting depth is achieved when the root collar—the transition point between the roots and the stem—is at or slightly above the surrounding soil grade. For grafted plants, the graft union should remain approximately one inch above the final soil line to prevent scion rooting.
Begin backfilling the hole with the original soil, gently shaking the plant or lightly tamping the soil to eliminate air pockets around the roots. Air pockets can dry out the roots, inhibiting water and nutrient uptake. Once the hole is mostly filled, water deeply to help the soil settle. Finish filling the remaining space to the proper level, leaving a slight basin to capture future rainfall.
Essential Care After Planting
The first action after planting is a thorough, deep watering to fully settle the soil around the root hairs and remove any remaining air pockets. This initial watering establishes immediate soil-to-root contact, which is necessary for the plant to begin absorbing moisture.
A consistent watering schedule must be established throughout the first growing season to support root establishment. The soil should be kept uniformly moist, but never saturated, as waterlogged conditions can lead to root rot. In warmer months, this may require watering two to three times per week, adjusting frequency based on weather conditions and soil drainage.
Apply a two-to-four-inch layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or shredded bark, over the planting area, extending out to the drip line. Mulch helps conserve soil moisture, regulate temperature, and suppress weed growth. Keep the mulch several inches away from the plant’s main stem or crown to prevent moisture buildup and potential disease. Monitor the plant closely for signs of new leaf buds or shoots, which indicates successful transplanting and the breaking of dormancy.