Planting Bare Root Trees and Shrubs
Use this guide before roots have established in container.
| Step 1 – Plant bare root trees and shrubs as soon as possible. It’s best when plants are still dormant and the ground isn’t frozen. |  |
| Step 2 – Remove any packing material carefully, and rinse off or gently pull off any clumps of earth clinging to the roots; clip off any dead or damaged roots. |  |
| Step 3 – Immerse the roots in a bucket of water to soak for at least one to four hours, but no longer than overnight. Supplying enough moisture is key to the success of bare root planting. |  |
| Step 4 – Dig hole that’s at least two feet wider than the root system and about as deep as the point where the roots flare from the trunk. Using your shovel, loosen the soil on the sides of the hole so it doesn’t solidify around the plant’s roots. |  |
| Step 5 – Mound soil in the bottom of the hole so that the peak reaches just about ground level. |  |
| Step 6 – Set the tree or shrub on top of the mound so the roots cascade down over the sides. Spread them gently with your hands if you need to, and add or remove soil so that the top of the root system is just at ground level. |  |
| Step 7 – Fill the hole about halfway with soil and tap it lightly to remove large air pockets. Make sure the plant is straight and slowly saturate the soil to remove any remaining air pockets. |  |
| Step 8 – Finish filling the hole with soil. Use any extra to build a temporary ridge around the perimeter of the roots and water again. |  |
| Step 9 – Keep the soil moist for the first year after planting. Mulch to retain moisture, but keep at least six inches bare around the trunk. Check frequently; if you see yellow leaves or the soil feels dry, water immediately. |  |