What Are Bare Root Trees?

Bare root trees are lifted and sold with their roots exposed, when the tree is dormant during late autumn to early spring. Lifted trees in their dormant season prevents stress and damage due from transplanting which could cause failure. 

Unlike potted or root balled trees, bare root trees are lightweight, easier to transport, and often more affordable, making them an increasingly popular choice by gardeners.

Benefits of Planting Bare Root Trees

There are several key advantages to choosing bare root trees for your garden:

1. Cost-Effective: Bare root trees are typically cheaper than their container-grown counterparts, especially when planting in bulk.
2. Easy to Transport: Because they come without soil, bare root trees are lighter and easier to move, making them ideal for large-scale planting projects.
3. Better Establishment: Bare root trees often establish faster and more robustly, as their roots are directly in contact with the surrounding soil, encouraging growth.
4. Sustainability: These trees come with less packaging and fewer resources required for transport, making them a more environmentally friendly option.

When to Plant Bare Root Trees

The best time to plant bare root trees in the UK is during the dormant season, which typically runs from November to March. During this period, trees are less active, which means they can be transplanted with minimal stress and have plenty of time to establish before the growing season begins.

Check out our How to Plant Bare Root Trees Guide

Tips for Successful Bare Root Tree Planting

• Timing Is Key: Plant bare root trees during the dormant season for the best chance of success.
• Avoid Frost: Do not plant if the ground is frozen or waterlogged. Wait for more suitable weather conditions.
• Care for the Roots: Keep the roots moist until planting to prevent them from drying out.
• Spacing: Ensure proper spacing between trees based on their mature size to avoid overcrowding.

Caring for Bare Root Trees After Planting

Once your tree is in the ground, follow these care tips to ensure it gets off to a strong start:

• Water Regularly: Keep the soil consistently moist for the first few months. Newly planted bare root trees need regular watering, if the weather is dry, especially in the first growing season.
• Protect from Pests: Use tree guards or netting to protect young trees from rabbits, deer, and other garden pests.
• Pruning: Prune any damaged or dead branches after planting. In subsequent years, regular pruning will help maintain the tree’s shape and encourage healthy growth.
• Fertilising: Avoid fertilising right after planting; it’s best to wait until the tree has established itself, typically after the first growing season.

Why Choose Bare Root Trees Over Potted Trees?

While potted trees can be planted year-round, bare root trees offer several advantages:

• Lower cost: They’re usually more affordable, especially when buying multiple trees.
• Less environmental impact: Bare root trees come with less packaging and fewer resources for transport.
• Better root establishment: Without the constraints of a container, bare root trees tend to establish faster once in the ground.

Planting bare root trees is an economical, sustainable, and effective way to enhance your garden. With the right timing and proper care, bare root trees can quickly establish themselves and provide beauty, shade, and even fruit for years to come. Whether you’re adding a single tree or planting an orchard, understanding the basics of bare root trees will ensure your garden flourishes.