Ask an Arborist: How do I Plant Bare-root Trees?

Ask an Arborist is a video series that gives viewers insider knowledge on all things trees. Each month our arborists answer YOUR questions. This month’s question: How do I Plant Bare-root Trees?

Have a tree-related question you want answered? Ask us below!

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[jennifergray]

I bought some bare root trees (arborvitaes) from Arbor Day, just put them in a pot the first year and keep them moist on drip line, warm and sheltered in winter. Then two years later they grew so big i put them in the ground. In moved from that house and they were 5 feet tall after 3 years. I am trying again with the 10 free trees. Hope they make it!

[blakespower]

yeaah they look dead when you get them but all the ones I planted survived bald cypress and tupelo trees planted in a stream overflow area that frequently floods in heavy rains, all I did was plant them in sand too, and they are still alive almost 20 years later

[alexgrozny]

It is unfortunate that during backfill the roots got bunched up. A better way would be to build a small hill inside the hole, place the middle of the plant on top of that hill and spread the roots around. This way roots wont be bunched up and actually directed away from the plant.

[Bw]

1:54 that is a beautiful little tree great shape i would love to know how it’s doing today

[djdvd]

Question: what if I don’t soak the roots beforehand?

[rajivmalhotra]

how long would it take for that tree to become about 5-6 feet?

[BackyardFlorida]

I just bought two bare root redbud saplings. How often do I water these in the first few weeks?

[madsfromlagos]

I got my trees today and when can I plant them? I am in Houston, TX. We might see some more freeze before spring finally arrives. Can I keep them in pots till then?

[NateAlex]

I want to buy a Flame Thrower Redbud 2 ft bare root sapling, but I’m afraid it wouldn’t survive planting in 85-90 degree August temperatures here in Zone 6a. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

[MrsLaytonClassroom]

I bought some small bulk trees and I want to plant them as ideally as possible. The soil I have is very dry sand, which I am happy to amend. What exact amendments are best for blue spruce? Help please.

[plantbasedprepper]

I didn't plant this way and 1 week later, my pine seedlings are turning brown. Is it too late to take them out and do it again? I just dug a hole and planted them like my vegetable garden and didn't know to care for the roots. I also watered them 2x a day. I'm not sure if it's the way I planted or too much water but I want to save them.

[thedyslexic]

I planted a 6" Green Ash seedling about 10 years ago and it is now about 16-17' tall however I never removed any grass from below it. I don't mow near it nor use a weed whipper near it. I use hand scissors to snip the grass away but would like to put a permanent grass retainer in place using 4x4 ground contact rated pressure treated lumber mitre cut to form six sides and about 24-30" across. Is it okay to go the 3 1/2" deep that far out from the trunk and not disturb the roots. I have heard that feeder/water roots are near the surface but not sure how near they actually are. I would prefer to use 2x6 lumber (5 1/2" actual depth) to better stop grass from sending roots underneath. Is that too deep? Can I get away with the 4x4 lumber and mulch? Thanks in advance.

[greginnm]

I live in a very windy area and have lots of rabbits around us.  How do I protect my new trees from both?

[allglad]

to become a "certified arborist" do I need to buy a stamp and stamp everyone I see with it? ...&/or do I just need to be crazy?

Nothing personal...just curious.

[kimberlyparris]

HELP!!
I just got my bare root trees it’s been raining nonstop for days when is the best time to plant them.

[drewdevon]

idk if i believe in the bare root thing. i just can't understand how a trees roots can be stripped of soil, thrown in a dark box for 3 or 4 days across the country and survive. i might try it since they seem to be a lot cheaper but i dont have much hope

[katchaffin]

I was just given a weeping willow tree for Christmas, its a 5'-6' tree, I live in South Alabama. but we have already had a freeze this year, how do I care for or plant my tree as to not kill it? I just received it today.

[chrisrok]

You guys should partner with WWF ecosia and the Amazon aid Foundation

[kimberlyparris]

WHAT THE PURPOSE OF HAVING THIS PAGE IF YOU ARE NOT GOING IT RESPOND TO THE QUESTIONS?? I ASK I SENT EMAIL AND I HAVE YET TO RECEIVE ANY RESPONSE. I WILL DEFINITELY BE CANCELING MY SUBSCRIPTION. WHAT A WASTE OF BEAUTIFUL TREES

[chadbartle]

This is wrong. Your hole wasn't deep enough your tree is going to J-root. I cant believe this is an arbor day video ...or can your trees local people this is no good