Bare rooting trees is one of the best, easiest, and most affordable ways to transport trees from farm to garden. But what is a bare root tree, and what does bare root mean? Read on to find out the answers.
When trees are removed from soil (exposing the eponymous bare roots), the trees go into a state dormition. In layman's terms, when you pull the tree out of the dirt, it goes to sleep. These dormant trees can then be transported, stored, sold and planted, with a minimum of fuss.
Bare rooted trees have several advantages over their potted counterparts. It's a simple and affordable way to populate your garden with beautiful trees of many different varieties. We've noticed that information about the process online is surprisingly bare (if you'll pardon the pun) so in this article, we've put together a guide to everything you ever wanted to know about bare root trees.
At All Green, we sell a variety of different bare rooted trees that are right and ready for your garden. Find out more about our range of bare root trees.
Are bare root trees good?
Why do people choose bare root trees? There are two key reasons:
- Ease of transport: Potted trees need to be kept living hand happy while they're transported. This is a more difficult process, and there's a capacity for things to go wrong. With a dormant bare rooted tree, transport is simple and easy. You don't have to worry so much about light, nutrition, or hydration — until, that is, you plant the bare root tree and have it wake up again.
- Lower cost: Bare root trees need less labour and less expensive packaging. This makes the production of bare root trees cheaper than the potted variety, and these savings can then be passed on to you, the consumer.
Are bare root trees better than potted trees?
There are pros and cons to choosing bare root trees over potted trees. As mentioned, bare rooted trees are cheaper and easier to transport. On the other hand, potted trees are less fussy, come in more varieties, and can be planted all year-round.
If you'd like more information about potted trees vs. bare root trees, you can read our full guide to the subject.
What is the best way to plant bare root trees?
There are a few tips and tricks that will make planting your bare root trees much easier, and will ensure fantastic results.
- Take your time when preparing your planting hole, as this is a very important stage in the process. Start by digging a hole that is roughly twice the size of the root ball.
- The sawdust that the bare root tree is packaged in is important for transport, but has no nutritional benefit. Shake it off the roots before planting the tree.
- You want the tree to sit at the same level as it did in the field, so mound the soil in the hole.
- Throw in some fertiliser and compost to help the tree thrive. Ensure that this is mixed in with your soil, otherwise it could burn the roots on your tree.
- Spread the roots out before planting so they can absorb more nutrients and water.
- Ensure that the bud union is above the soil level.
- Stamp the dirt down firmly, ensuring good contact between the root and soil. This will help water uptake.
- Prune buds and branches on the tree to better match the size of the roots. The right amount you hack back will vary from product to product, so check with our qualified team of agricultural professionals and find out the best way forward for the specific tree you've purchased.
Where to buy bare root trees?
Bare root trees are cheap and easy to plant, and at All Green, we make the process of buying them simple and efficient. For added convenience with your bare root trees, find out more about our delivery service and have them delivered directly to your property.
