What does that mean?

• Bare root trees are trees that are dug and stored without any soil around their roots.
• Trees can be bought "bare root," and then planted directly into the ground.

• More root mass. Bare root trees can have up to 200% more roots than B&B or container trees, depending on the soil and transplanting history at the nursery.
• Lower cost. Without extra labor and materials, bare root trees cost seller and buyer less.
• Easier planting. A young tree without soil weighs little, so it easy to move and plant.

• Less work time. Once they leave the nursery, bare root trees need to get in the ground within a week at the longest. With no soil, the roots can dry out and die if left exposed for any time.
• Narrower planting window. Bare root trees need good soil moisture, so mid spring (before budbreak) and mid fall (after leaf fall) are the only two possible planting times.
• Restricted availability. Some species may not be available bare root, and some nurseries may not have trees available for bare root retail sale at all.

• Use any technique you can to reduce the time the tree roots are bare.
• Order 1.5-2" trees to be dug within 24 hrs of your arrival, otherwise be sure they are stored in a cool place.
• Have fall trees dug mid-Oct to late Nov, spring trees late Mar to early May.
• If possible, dip tree roots in a slurry of a hydrogel (a synthetic water-absorbing compound, many brands available) or muddy water, then store them in large, pleated plastic bags until planting.
• If no hydrogel is used, soak the tree roots in water for 12-24 hrs before planting.
• Keep trees covered, shaded, and moist until actually put in the ground.

                                                     Checking depth on a bare root planting

• In theory, yes--but some species work better than others, and some commonly fail.
• Best bets for bare root planting:

Nina Bassuk. 2000.  "Creating the urban forest: the bare root method."  Ithaca, NY:Cornell University.  For other information, advice and help on this topic, call offices of your State Urban Forestry Coordinator or University Extension service, or visit urban forestry web sites.