The Advantages of Planting Bare Root Plants

Whitney Laritson | February 14, 2026

Have you ever been shocked to find that the tree or shrub you ordered showed up to your door completely naked? Don't be! This is what we call a bare root plant, and they come with a number of advantages over their potted and balled-and-burlapped (B&B) counterparts.

The most obvious advantage? Bare root plants cost less! They are cost saving to the merchants, who pass these savings on to you. Because their packaging is lightweight and stackable, shipping them is a breeze. Potted and B&B plants must be handled carefully, because their heavy, soil-laden roots can make messes or even cause damage. Bare root plants don't have this problem. Furthermore, the lighter packaging means less fuel is needed to transport bare root plants. That's not only cost-saving, but eco-friendly, too!

Speaking of eco-friendliness, bare root plants have other environmental advantages. Their root bundles tend to be larger and more robust than those shipped in soil. This helps them get established quicker and grow faster.

When planting your new tree or shrub, bare roots make it easy. Potted or B&B plants are heavier than bare root plants. With bare roots, you don't have to worry about handling a heavy container of soil. You simply spread the roots and plant them in the earth. Nearly any tree or shrub can be produced as a bare root specimen, including bare root fruit trees.

It's Dormant, Not Dead

The leafless, naked look results from uprooting the plant during its natural dormant season. This is why they are most widely available from autumn to mid-spring. Uprooting the plants while they are dormant takes advantage of the natural hardiness they employ to combat winter weather.

When your bare root plant arrives, you should try to plant it as soon as possible. Make sure to keep the roots shaded and moist until they are in the ground; it's important that they don't dry out. Prior to planting, soak the roots for 1-24 hours (in the shade!) to ensure that they are supple and give the plant a head start.

After soaking, spread the roots out and prune off any damage. Next, dig a hole with rough edges. It should be big enough to accommodate the expanded root bundle without overcrowding it. If it's a bare root shrub, backfill it, water copiously, fortify with mulch, and you're done. If it's a bare root tree, follow the steps for alignment like you would with any other tree. Keep it vertical while backfilling, water copiously, and then you may want to steady it until it gets established. Two or three stakes around the tree securing it with soft rope should do the trick.

Planting bare root plants is not so different from planting potted or B&B plants, but the results can be remarkably advantageous. They settle in fast and grow quickly. And the cost cutting and environmental impact are worth it on their own. Plant bare root material with confidence. Give them time to wake up from the dormancy, and water them well the first season to get them established in your landscape. Enjoy!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I choose bare root plants over potted plants?

Bare root plants offer several compelling advantages over potted plants, including lower cost, easier handling, and faster establishment thanks to larger, more robust root bundles. They are also more eco-friendly, requiring less fuel to ship due to their lightweight packaging. Available from autumn through mid-spring during the plant's natural dormant period, bare root specimens are an excellent value. When your plant arrives, soak the roots for 1 to 24 hours in the shade before planting to give it the best possible start.

Do bare root trees and shrubs grow faster after planting than containerized ones?

Yes, bare root trees and shrubs typically establish and grow faster than containerized plants. Because they are dug and shipped with larger, more robust root bundles than those confined to a pot, they adapt to their new soil quickly and get a strong start. Plant them as soon as they arrive, soak the roots for 1 to 24 hours in the shade before planting, and spread them fully in a wide, rough-edged hole to give them the best possible head start.

When is the best time of year to plant bare root trees and shrubs?

Bare root trees and shrubs are best planted during their dormant season, which runs from autumn through mid-spring, making these the peak months when bare root plants are most widely available. Dormancy gives the plant a natural hardiness that helps it handle the transition of being uprooted and replanted. When your bare root plant arrives, plant it as soon as possible, soaking the roots for 1 to 24 hours in a shaded area beforehand to ensure they are supple and ready to establish quickly.

Are bare root perennials worth buying compared to potted perennials?

Bare root perennials are absolutely worth buying and often the smarter choice, as they cost less, establish quickly, and arrive with larger, more robust root systems than their potted counterparts. Because they are dug and shipped during dormancy, typically from autumn through mid-spring, the plants channel their energy directly into root development once planted rather than recovering from transplant stress. To get the best results, soak the roots for 1 to 24 hours in a shaded location before planting, spread them out in a properly sized hole, water thoroughly, and apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture and encourage strong establishment.

How do I know if bare root plants are healthy before I buy them?

Healthy bare root plants should have firm, pliable roots that are free from soft spots, mold, or unpleasant odors, and the stems should show no signs of shriveling or damage. Reputable nurseries like Nature Hills harvest bare root plants during their natural dormant season, typically autumn through mid-spring, to ensure the plants are at their hardiest. When your order arrives, inspect the roots immediately and soak them in water for 1 to 24 hours in a shaded area before planting to confirm they are supple and responsive.

How do I plant bare root trees and shrubs for the best results?

Bare root plants should be planted as soon as they arrive, ideally in autumn through mid-spring when they are naturally dormant. Before planting, soak the roots in the shade for 1 to 24 hours to rehydrate them, then prune away any damaged roots before spreading them out fully. Dig a hole with rough edges large enough to accommodate the entire root bundle without crowding, backfill firmly, and water deeply. Finish with a generous layer of mulch, and stake your bare root tree until it becomes established in its new location.

What are the biggest mistakes to avoid when planting bare root plants?

The biggest mistakes to avoid are letting the roots dry out before planting and skipping the pre-soak. Always keep roots shaded and moist from the moment they arrive, and soak them in water for 1 to 24 hours in the shade before planting. When you dig your hole, make sure it is wide enough to accommodate the fully spread root bundle without crowding or bending the roots. Plant as soon as possible after arrival, water deeply once in the ground, and apply a layer of mulch to help retain moisture and encourage fast establishment.

Can bare root plants survive shipping and handling without damage?

Bare root plants are actually well-suited for shipping and handling because they are lightweight, compact, and stackable, making them easier and safer to transport than heavy potted or balled-and-burlapped plants. They are harvested during their natural dormant season, typically from autumn to mid-spring, which gives them a built-in hardiness that helps them withstand the shipping process. To ensure your bare root plant arrives in the best condition and recovers quickly, soak the roots for 1 to 24 hours in a shaded area upon arrival, then plant as soon as possible, keeping roots moist and out of direct sun until they are in the ground.

How long does it take for bare root plants to establish and start growing?

Bare root plants actually establish faster than potted or balled-and-burlapped plants because their root bundles tend to be larger and more robust, giving them a head start once planted. Most bare root plants begin active growth within a few weeks of planting, especially when planted during the dormant season from autumn to mid-spring. To give your plant the best chance, soak the roots for 1 to 24 hours before planting, spread them fully in a wide hole, water copiously after backfilling, and apply a layer of mulch to retain moisture and support early root development.

Should I fertilize bare root plants right after planting?

Bare root plants should not be fertilized immediately after planting, as fresh roots are sensitive and fertilizer can burn them before they have a chance to establish. Wait until you see new growth emerging, which signals that the plant has successfully rooted into its new home. At that point, a balanced slow-release fertilizer applied according to package directions will give your plant a healthy boost for the growing season.