5 Steps to Planting Your Bare Root Shrub or Tree

Plant your bare-root shrub or tree as soon as possible after it arrives, ideally within 24 to 48 hours of delivery. If you cannot plant right away, keep the roots moist and store the plant in a cool, shaded location to prevent the roots from drying out. Soaking the roots in water for 6 to 12 hours before planting helps rehydrate them after shipping. Get your planting hole prepared in advance so you are ready to get your new plant in the ground the moment conditions allow.

Dig your planting hole two to three times wider than the spread of the roots, but only deep enough so the root flare sits at or slightly above ground level. Planting too deep is one of the most common mistakes gardeners make and can lead to root rot and long-term decline. Before backfilling, mound a small cone of soil in the center of the hole to support the roots and help position the plant at the correct height.

Yes, building a firm soil cone in the center of the planting hole is a key step for bare-root planting success. The cone supports the crown of the plant at the correct depth while allowing you to drape the roots naturally downward and outward over the mound, preventing them from bunching or circling. Pack the cone firmly so it resists settling, then position your plant on top and backfill with native soil, checking that the graft union or crown stays at or just above ground level.

Keep bare roots moist at all times by covering them with a damp burlap sack, wet newspaper, or moistened mulch while you work. Never leave roots exposed to sun or wind for more than a few minutes, as even brief drying can damage the fine feeder roots critical to establishment. If you are planting multiple trees or shrubs, work on one plant at a time and keep the others in a shaded spot with their roots wrapped in wet material until you are ready for them.

If your bare-root plant arrives with bent, circling, or broken roots, trim away any damaged or broken roots with clean, sharp pruners before planting. Circling roots should be gently straightened or pruned back to prevent girdling, which can slowly strangle the plant as it matures. Make sure your planting hole is wide enough, typically two to three times the spread of the root system, so roots can extend outward naturally without being forced to bend or curl. Always soak the trimmed roots in water for several hours before planting to help reduce transplant stress.

Yes, you can trim any damaged, broken, or excessively long roots back to healthy tissue before planting, but avoid removing healthy roots unnecessarily. If the plant has been in transit and the top growth seems disproportionately large compared to the root system, lightly pruning the canopy helps balance the plant's energy demands while it establishes. Use clean, sharp pruners and make smooth cuts to minimize stress on the plant.

Look for the soil line on the bare root plant, which appears as a color change on the trunk or stems where the plant was previously buried. This discoloration marks exactly how deep the plant should be set in your new hole. As a general rule, the crown of the plant should sit at or just slightly above ground level to prevent rot. Match that soil line mark to your surrounding grade and backfill firmly to eliminate air pockets around the roots.

After planting, give your bare-root tree or shrub a deep, thorough watering to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets around the roots. Apply enough water to soak the entire root zone, typically 1 to 2 gallons for smaller shrubs and up to 5 gallons for larger trees, allowing it to absorb slowly rather than run off. For the first few weeks, water every 2 to 3 days in the absence of rain, adjusting based on your climate and soil drainage. Keep the root zone consistently moist but never waterlogged until you see signs of new growth, which signals the plant has established.

Yes, mulching is highly recommended after planting a bare-root shrub or tree. Apply a 2 to 3 inch layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips or shredded bark, in a wide ring around the base of the plant extending out to the drip line. Keep the mulch pulled back 2 to 3 inches from the trunk or main stems to prevent rot and discourage pests. Replenish the mulch layer each spring to maintain proper depth and continue protecting the root zone as your plant establishes.

Wait to fertilize your bare-root shrub or tree until you see active new growth emerging, which signals the roots have established enough to support feeding. Applying fertilizer at planting time can burn fragile, stressed roots and actually slow establishment. Once new leaves are actively pushing out, typically 4 to 6 weeks after planting, apply a balanced slow-release granular fertilizer like a 10-10-10 according to package rates and water it in thoroughly.