The least expensive way to add trees and shrubs to your landscape or fruit trees to your orchard is by planting bare root stock. The key to success with bare root materials is planting them in early spring, just as soon as the soil is dry enough to work. Those nurseries selling bare root stock have it available now or will very soon. Early spring is also an ideal time to dig up and move trees from one place to another on the yard. Your selection may be slightly more limited in comparison to container grown or balled and burlapped stock, but local nurseries have a good supply in early spring. Bare root plants are dug from nursery fields, usually in the fall. The soil is removed from the roots and the plants are held in high humidity and temperature controlled storage over winter. Planting this bare root stock in early spring gives it an opportunity to develop more roots and start to become established before warmer weather causes the leaves to expand. The foliage places more demand on the roots and if they cannot keep up with the demand for water, the plants are vulnerable to drying and thus suffer from water stress. When handling and transporting bare root stock, it is important to keep the roots moist and protected from the sun and wind at all times. For good results, the roots should be soaked overnight or about 24 hours before trees and shrubs are planted in the soil. Before you plant the shrub or tree, examine the roots carefully and prune out any that are damaged or diseased. You will also need to prune the top growth to remove problem or damaged branches and to keep it in balance with the root system. After the plant is established, the roots will grow and more top growth will develop. As a general rule, cut a shrub or hedge plant back anywhere from one-third to one-half their original height. In the case of trees that are being moved bare root, shorten the side branches about one-third of their length. Always make the cut in front of an upward facing bud so that the new branches that develop will point upward. Do not do any cutting on the central leader of the tree, as this will destroy its natural shape. When planting a bare root tree, dig a generous planting hole and backfill with enough soil to hold the young tree slightly higher than the depth at which it was growing in the nursery. Tamp the soil and position the tree in the center of the hole with its largest branches facing southwest. Straighten the roots and spread them evenly, being careful that there are no circling roots that will later girdle the base of the tree. Cover the roots with soil, avoiding any clods or rocks. To eliminate air pockets, gently raise and lower the tree while adding soil. When the hole is three-fourths full, tamp the soil and fill the hole with water to take care of any remaining air pockets. Finish filling the hole and water thoroughly. Then apply three to six inches of mulch such as woodchips, straw or hay, to form a circle that generously covers the root area. Use your hand to gently pull the mulch away from the tree trunk as it may cause the bark to decay. Water the newly planted trees and shrubs whenever the soil begins to dry. Soak them well as short, frequent waterings promotes the development of shallow root systems. Do not, however, overwater as water logged soils often cause the roots to rot and the plant fails. Although evergreens should never be planted bare root, April is an ideal time to plant container grown or balled and burlapped evergreen trees and shrubs. Evergreens constantly lose moisture through their needles, so their roots must never be out of the soil, as they will dry quickly. Even if you are moving a small evergreen from one location on your yard to another, dig the new hole first and slide the plant onto a tarp so you don’t allow the soil to fall off and expose the roots
