Bare Root Trees: A Comprehensive Guide

Benefits of Bare Root Trees

Cost:

Bare root trees are often more cost-effective than container trees for several reasons. Firstly, the production and transportation costs associated with bare-root trees are significantly lower. Since they are sold without soil or pots, bare-root trees are lighter and more compact, reducing shipping expenses and allowing for larger quantities to be transported at once. This efficiency translates into lower prices for customers. Additionally, bare root trees require less nursery care and maintenance, such as watering and pest management, further decreasing overall costs. For large-scale projects, such as orchard planting or landscaping, the savings become even more substantial, making bare-root trees an economically advantageous choice for both commercial and residential buyers.

Superior Root Development:

Bare-root trees generally exhibit superior root development compared to container-grown trees due to several key factors such as their growth environment and planting process. These factors include the natural development of root systems, avoidance of root-bound conditions, and the physiological response to planting.

Natural Development of Root Systems

Bare-root trees are grown directly in the ground, allowing their roots to extend naturally in all directions. This contrasts with container-grown trees, which are confined by the walls of pots. In the ground, the roots of bare-root trees can explore a broader soil volume, accessing a wide range of nutrients and moisture. This unrestricted growth encourages a more balanced and extensive root system, which is crucial for the tree’s stability and nutrient uptake.

Avoidance of Root-Bound Conditions

One of the significant disadvantages of container-grown trees is the tendency to become root-bound. In containers, roots often hit the pot walls and begin to circle around the pot’s perimeter. This circling can lead to a condition known as girdling, where the roots wrap tightly around the trunk base, potentially strangling the tree as it grows. Girdling roots can impede nutrient and water uptake, weaken the tree structurally, and eventually lead to decline or death.

Bare-root trees, on the other hand, are free from these constraints. When they are planted in the ground, their roots can spread out naturally without being forced into circular patterns. This promotes the development of a more fibrous root system, characterised by numerous small roots that are highly effective at absorbing water and nutrients.

Improved Root-To-Soil Contact

During the planting process, bare-root trees are positioned in the ground with their roots spread out in their natural orientation. The planting hole can be tailored to accommodate the root system’s shape, ensuring good soil contact with all parts of the root network. This intimate contact between the roots and soil particles is critical for water and nutrient uptake, as it allows the roots to efficiently absorb the necessary resources.

In contrast, container-grown trees often have a root ball encased in a compacted mass of potting medium, which may not blend well with the surrounding soil. This discrepancy can create a barrier, slowing down the tree’s acclimation and establishment in its new environment.

Physiological Response to Transplanting

The process of digging up and transplanting bare-root trees often involves some natural root pruning. This pruning can stimulate the growth of new fibrous roots when the tree is replanted. These new roots are particularly efficient at water and nutrient uptake, giving bare-root trees an advantage during the critical establishment phase.

In container-grown trees, root pruning is less common, and the roots that are left intact may be less efficient at quickly adapting to new soil conditions. Additionally, if container-grown trees have been in their pots for an extended period, they may have a higher proportion of coarse, less functional roots, as opposed to the fine, fibrous roots that are critical for efficient absorption.

Enhanced Root-to-Shoot Ratio

Bare-root trees typically have a more favourable root-to-shoot ratio upon planting. This ratio, which compares the mass of the roots to the mass of the above-ground parts, is crucial for the tree’s early growth and survival. A higher root-to-shoot ratio means that the roots can more effectively support the tree’s needs for water and nutrients, especially during the initial stages of establishment. This balance is often achieved because bare-root trees lose some of their shoot mass during the dormant season, while the root system remains relatively intact.

How to Plant Bare Root Trees

Preparation Before Planting

Preparing a bare-root tree and the soil for planting involves a couple of steps to ensure successful establishment and growth. First, upon receiving the bare root tree, inspect the roots for any damage or desiccation. Prune away any broken, excessively long, or diseased roots with clean, sharp pruning shears. Soak the roots in water for a minimum of 4 to 6 hours (but no longer than 24 hours) to rehydrate them, which helps prevent transplant shock. During this time, select an appropriate planting site, considering the tree’s sunlight, moisture, and soil requirements.

Next, prepare the soil by digging a planting hole that is wide enough to spread out the roots without cramping them and deep enough so the tree’s root collar (the point where the roots meet the trunk) will sit at ground level. The hole should generally be two to three times wider than the root spread but only as deep as the root system itself. This promotes easier root expansion into the surrounding soil. Loosen the soil at the bottom and sides of the hole to prevent a hardpan, which can restrict root growth.

Before placing the tree in the hole, create a small mound of soil at the centre of the hole to rest the root crown upon. This mound will help in positioning the roots more naturally, allowing them to extend outwards and downwards. Gently spread the roots over this mound, ensuring they are not bent or twisted, and the tree is vertically straight. Begin backfilling the hole with the excavated soil, taking care to place soil around and between the roots, eliminating air pockets that could desiccate them. Firm the soil gently with your hands as you fill, but avoid compacting it too much, as this can hinder root expansion and water infiltration.

It is advisable not to amend the backfill soil with compost or fertilisers at this stage, as it may discourage the roots from growing out into the surrounding soil, leading to a restricted root system. Instead, use the native soil to encourage the tree to adapt to its environment. Once the hole is backfilled, water thoroughly to settle the soil and remove any remaining air pockets. If necessary, create a slight soil berm around the planting hole to help retain water, ensuring adequate moisture reaches the roots during the establishment phase. Finally, apply a 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree, leaving a gap around the trunk to prevent rot and pest problems. This mulch layer helps conserve soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds, providing a more stable environment for the young tree to establish and thrive.

If the tree is tall or located in a windy area, consider staking it to provide support and stability during the establishment period. Place stakes on either side of the tree, using soft, flexible ties to secure the trunk; ensure the ties are loose enough to allow slight movement, which encourages the development of a strong, resilient trunk.

Aftercare

Aftercare for bare root trees is crucial for ensuring successful establishment and long-term health. The first and most critical aspect is consistent watering. Newly planted bare-root trees require regular moisture, particularly during the first growing season. Water deeply and thoroughly, aiming to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. This is particularly important during dry spells, as young roots are still developing and are highly sensitive to drought stress. A deep watering schedule, rather than frequent shallow watering, encourages roots to grow deeper, promoting a more drought-resistant tree.

In addition to watering, mulching is essential. Apply a 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or compost, around the base. The mulch should extend to the drip line but be kept a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot and rodent damage. Mulching helps to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature, creating a stable environment for root growth.

Monitoring for signs of stress, pests, and diseases is another key aspect of aftercare. Regularly inspect the tree for wilting, leaf discolouration, or unusual growth patterns, which can indicate issues like inadequate watering, nutrient deficiencies, or pest infestations. If pests or diseases are detected, address them promptly with appropriate treatments, such as insecticidal soaps for pests or fungicides for fungal infections.

Pruning should generally be minimal in the first year, focusing only on removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches. This selective pruning helps direct the tree’s energy towards establishing a strong root system and overall structure. It’s also beneficial to monitor the growth of the tree’s leader (central main stem) and remove any competing vertical branches to maintain a strong, single trunk.

Fertilisation should be approached cautiously. It is usually not necessary in the first year, as the primary goal is root establishment rather than vigorous shoot growth. However, if the soil is particularly poor, a light application of a balanced, slow-release fertiliser can be beneficial. Always conduct a soil test before applying any fertilisers to determine specific nutrient needs.

Lastly, maintain tree supports and adjust or remove stakes as necessary. Staking should not be left in place for more than a growing season unless necessary, as prolonged staking can inhibit trunk development. After the first year, begin reducing the frequency of watering to encourage the tree to develop a robust root system capable of sustaining it during drier periods. By diligently following these aftercare practices, bare root trees can establish successfully and grow into healthy, mature specimens.