How to Plant a Bare Root Fruit Tree Step by Step
A bare root fruit or nut tree should be planted while dormant, with its roots kept moist and protected until it goes into the ground. The goal is to choose a suitable site, spread the roots naturally, keep the graft union above the finished soil line, backfill with native soil, water thoroughly, and protect the new root zone.
Before planting, confirm the tree's cultivar-specific growing zone, chill hours, pollination needs, rootstock, and mature size on its current product page. If you are still choosing, use the bare root tree selection guide.
Before Planting Day
- Choose a site with the sun exposure, drainage, and mature-tree space required by the variety.
- Keep the roots cool, moist, and covered. Do not allow them to dry out or freeze.
- Plant when the soil is workable and not waterlogged.
- Gather a shovel, water, mulch, and any site-specific protection such as a gopher basket or trunk guard.
1. Inspect and Protect the Roots
Unpack the tree in a sheltered place and inspect the roots. Keep them moist while preparing the hole. Trim only roots that are broken or badly damaged; do not shorten healthy roots merely to fit a small hole.
2. Dig a Wide Planting Hole
Dig the hole wide enough to spread the roots without circling, bending sharply, or crowding them. Make it only deep enough to place the tree at the correct finished depth. A broad, saucer-shaped hole helps roots enter the surrounding soil more easily than a narrow, deep hole.
3. Find the Original Soil Line and Graft Union
Look for the color change on the trunk that marks the nursery soil line. Also identify the graft union, usually a visible swelling or bend above the roots. Position the tree so the original soil line is near the finished grade and the graft union remains clearly above the soil. Follow any tree-specific planting instructions supplied with the order.
4. Position the Tree and Spread the Roots
Create a small mound of native soil in the center if needed. Set the tree on the mound and spread the roots outward in their natural direction. Check the depth again from several sides before backfilling.
For a multi-graft tree, note the relative size and position of each graft, then follow the multi-graft tree care guide to keep vigorous varieties from dominating.
5. Backfill With Native Soil
Return the excavated soil around the roots in stages. Gently work soil between the roots to remove large air pockets, but do not compact it heavily. Unless the product instructions say otherwise, avoid creating a rich amended pocket that differs sharply from the surrounding soil.
6. Water Thoroughly
Water slowly after backfilling so the soil settles around the roots. Recheck the trunk depth after the soil settles and correct it promptly if the tree has sunk too low. Newly planted trees need consistent moisture, but saturated soil can deprive roots of oxygen; adjust irrigation to weather, soil texture, and drainage.
7. Mulch the Root Zone
Apply mulch over the planting area to reduce weeds and moderate soil moisture. Keep mulch several inches away from the trunk and graft union. Do not pile it against the bark.
8. Stake and Protect Only as Needed
Stake only when wind, a loose root system, or the planting site makes support necessary. Allow some trunk movement and remove temporary supports once the tree is stable. Add animal or sun protection when local conditions require it, checking guards and ties regularly so they do not rub or constrict the trunk.
If You Cannot Plant Immediately
Keep the roots cool, moist, and dormant. For a longer delay, heel the tree into loose soil or another suitable moist medium in a protected location, covering the roots completely while leaving the trunk above the material. Do not let the roots dry, freeze, or sit in standing water. See how to heel in bare root trees for the temporary-storage process.
What to Do After Planting
Continue with Bare Root Tree Care: Receiving, Planting & First-Year Growth for watering, first-year nutrition, staking, pruning, and seasonal protection. Use Fruit Tree Central to find the rest of the orchard-planning and care library.
2 comments
Tuan, yes you can pot up your bare root tree in a 5-10 gallon pot, moisten the soil, and store in your basement until you are ready to plant. The trees will stay dormant until the temps start going above 45-50F. You don’t have to do much, just don’t let the soil dry out but don’t keep the soil soggy, drain holes in the pots is a good idea.
I bought 2 foot tree I got email of the shipment this week. We still have snow outside and cold so can I plant in the pots in basement basement to march or April