This month marks the arrival of bare-root plants. Many plants are available to include fruit and shade trees, roses, grapes, and cane fruits.
Why buy bare-root? One reason is that it is cost effective. Savings can be up to 70% buying bare-root over container plants. Another is the ease of planting. The hole can be back filled with soil that is dug out and the roots will grow in one soil structure instead of container soil that is light and airy unlike the native soil the roots will eventually encounter which are usually tight and clayey. Water penetration will be more uniform, watering one soil structure rather than two or more compositions.
When buying bare-root the nursery will have the plants "heeled" in some type of loose, moist material such as sand or sawdust. Check the roots, they should be fresh and plump. Have the roots bagged or wrapped for the trip home.
If you are not going to plant for at least three days, plants should be placed in moist sand/sawdust. If planting within three days it is a good idea to soak the roots in water (you can add a root stimulator to the water) before planting. A bucket, garbage can, or a bathtub will work.
Dig the hole large enough to accommodate the roots. Trim any broken roots and place the plant into the hole, ensuring that if it is a grafted plant, the graft bud sits above the soil level. Backfill with soil, make a ridge of soil around the hole to form a watering basin, and apply water.
Some literature says to prune/thin the tree branches back by one-third to compensate for the root mass being small, some instruct not to prune/thin at all. I have done both and saw no difference. After the first watering, check the soil every few days with a soil probe and water when the top three inches are dry.
Bare-root plants are dormant and do not require lots of water as this could promote the roots to rot. Pick up the watering when the weather becomes warm and the plants start to leaf out. And be patient-some bare-root plants are slow to leaf out. The wait will be worth it-Enjoy!