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At the Plant Sale, all trees will come as bare root. Bare root means that the plants are dug and stored without any soil around their roots.
What are the advantages of planting bare root trees?
· More root mass. Bare root trees can have up to 200% more roots than container trees, depending on the soil and transplanting history at the nursery.
· Lower cost. Without extra labor and materials, bare root trees cost both the seller and buyer less.
· Easier planting. A young tree without soil weighs little, so it’s easy to move and plant.
There must be some disadvantages!
· Less flexibility. Once they leave the nursery, bare root trees need to get in the ground within a week. Without soil, the roots can dry out and die if left exposed for a long period of time.
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· Narrower planting window. Bare root trees need good soil moisture, so mid spring (before budbreak) and mid fall (after leaf fall) are the only two possible planting times.
· Restricted availability. Some species may not be available bare root, and some nurseries may not have trees available for bare root retail sale at all.
Other bare root tips and techniques:
· Use any technique you can to reduce the time the tree roots are bare.
· Order 1.5-2" trees to be dug within 24 hrs of your arrival, otherwise be sure they are stored in a cool place.
· Have fall trees dug mid-October to late November, spring trees late March to early May.
· If possible, dip tree roots in a slurry of a hydrogel (a synthetic water-absorbing compound, many brands available) or muddy water, then store them in large, plastic bags until planting.
· Keep trees covered, shaded, and moist until actually put in the ground.
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