What Time of Year to Plant Bare Root Trees

Bare root trees are a cost-effective and efficient way to plant trees in your garden or landscape. They are trees that are sold without soil or pots, and their roots are exposed. While they may look fragile, they are actually hardy and can withstand a lot of stress. However, planting bare root trees at the wrong time of the year can severely affect their survival rate. In this article, we’ll explore the best time of year to plant bare root trees.

Winter Season

The winter season is the most ideal time to plant bare root trees. The reason for this is that trees are dormant during winter, and their growth will be limited. This means that the tree will have less chance of being shocked when its roots are exposed during the planting process. Winter planting also allows the tree to establish its roots before the onset of the hot summer weather. This will ensure that the tree is fully rooted before it is exposed to water stress.

Spring Season

Spring is another good time to plant bare root trees. As the temperature starts to warm up, the tree will come out of its dormancy and start to grow. However, you should avoid planting trees during the late spring. This is because the tree will be exposed to the stress of both root formation and growth, which can be too much for the tree to handle. Instead, it is best to plant during the early spring when the ground is still moist.

Summer Season

Summer is not the best time to plant bare root trees. The hot weather and high levels of evaporation can stress the tree, especially if its roots have not yet fully developed. However, if you must plant in the summer, you need to make sure that you keep the tree watered consistently. This will help the tree to establish its roots and survive the hot summer weather.

Fall Season

The fall season can be a good time to plant bare root trees. As the temperature starts to cool down, the tree will start to go dormant, and its growth will be limited. This means that the tree will be less likely to suffer from water stress or other environmental factors. However, fall planting should be done early enough to allow the tree to establish its roots before the onset of winter.

In conclusion, the best time to plant bare root trees is during the winter season when the tree is dormant, followed by the spring season when the tree is starting to grow. Summer planting should be avoided, and fall planting can be done but needs to be done early enough to allow the tree to establish its roots. Remember to keep the tree watered during the first few months after planting to ensure its survival.