Bare Root vs Container Trees: Which Should You Plant?

What Are Bare Root Trees?

Bare root trees are dormant plants that are grown in the field and then dug up, with soil removed from their roots before sale. They are typically available during the winter months, from November to March when the trees are in their natural dormant phase. Bare root trees must be planted during this time to give them the best chance to establish themselves before their growing season begins.

Advantages of Bare Root Trees:

Cost Efficiency: Bare root trees are often less expensive than container-grown trees because they require less handling, packaging, and storage.

Greater Variety: Nurseries often offer a wider selection of bare root varieties, particularly for fruit trees, hedging, and larger ornamental trees, during the winter season. This means you can access rarer cultivars that may not be available in containers.

Environmentally Friendly: Bare root trees are shipped without pots or soil, reducing plastic waste and overall transportation costs. Their lighter weight also lowers the environmental impact of shipping.

Faster Establishment: Because bare root trees have been grown in the ground, their root systems develop naturally, without the constraint of a pot. Once planted, they tend to establish quicker, forming strong root systems that spread out efficiently into the surrounding soil.

What Are Container Trees?

Container-grown trees, as the name suggests, are grown in pots and sold with their roots surrounded by soil. These trees are available year-round, allowing for more flexibility in terms of when they can be planted. Container trees are typically younger than bare root trees when sold, but they are often easier to handle due to their smaller size.

Advantages of Container Trees:

Flexible Planting Time: Unlike bare root trees, container-grown trees can be planted any time of the year, provided the ground isn’t frozen or excessively dry. This makes them a good choice for those who miss the bare root planting window or want to plant during the growing season.

Ease of Handling: Container-grown trees are generally easier to transport and plant because their root systems are more contained. This makes them less prone to transplant shock, especially when the tree is handled correctly and the roots are teased out before planting.

Less Immediate Maintenance: Container trees, having been grown in pots, are often more forgiving if conditions aren’t perfect right away, particularly with soil structure or initial watering. Their root systems are already established in a medium, so they’re less vulnerable to stress in the early weeks post-planting.

Root Health and Structure

Bare root trees offer a more natural root structure, allowing the roots to spread horizontally and vertically in search of water and nutrients. This natural development often leads to stronger, deeper root systems, which makes them more resilient in the long term. However, bare root trees are more vulnerable to drying out if not planted soon after purchase.

Container-grown trees, while convenient, can suffer from “pot-bound” roots. If a tree has been left too long in its container, the roots may circle the base of the pot, leading to restricted growth and potential problems after planting. It’s essential to inspect the roots and tease them out before planting to avoid this issue.

Watering Requirements

Both bare-root and container trees need careful watering after planting, but container trees can be more dependent on consistent watering in the initial months. Because they have been grown in a controlled environment, they may be less equipped to cope with fluctuations in soil moisture when first transplanted. Bare root trees, once established, are generally hardier in terms of water uptake, though they do need adequate water in the early stages of root establishment.

Planting and Handling

Bare root trees require prompt handling and planting once purchased. Their exposed roots are vulnerable to drying out, so it’s crucial to keep the roots moist until planting. Once in the ground, they will begin to establish during the dormant season, with minimal stress to the plant.

Container-grown trees, while more forgiving in terms of planting time, need careful attention to root preparation. If the roots are not adequately teased out when planting, they may struggle to break free from their “container shape,” limiting their long-term growth potential.