Introduction
Bare root trees arrive without soil around their roots and should be planted promptly when conditions are suitable. But frozen ground, wet weather, or an unfinished planting site can sometimes cause a delay.
Heeling in means temporarily placing the roots in soil to protect them until you can plant the tree permanently. Temporary potting or cool storage may also help when outdoor conditions are unsuitable.
The aim is to prevent roots from drying out without leaving them waterlogged. These methods are intended for dormant trees—trees that have not yet started active leafy growth.
Inspect Bare Root Trees When They Arrive
Open the package promptly rather than leaving it unopened until planting day. Carefully check the tree and the material surrounding its roots.
- Roots should feel firm rather than brittle, mushy, or badly dried out.
- Packing material should be damp, not completely dry or dripping wet.
- Look for broken stems, major root damage, or an unpleasant smell.
- On grafted trees, inspect the graft union—the point where the fruit variety joins the rootstock—for obvious damage.
If you find a problem, take clear photographs and contact Grow Organic for guidance. Keep the roots protected while you wait for a response.
When Should You Heel In a Bare Root Tree?
Heeling in is useful when the permanent planting site is not ready but you have another suitable place where the soil can be worked. It can also help when the intended location is temporarily too wet to plant.
If all outdoor soil is frozen or waterlogged, use a suitable container or cool storage instead. Do not try to force roots into frozen ground or place them in a trench that holds standing water.
Plant permanently as soon as conditions allow, preferably before new growth begins. Temporary protection should not become a reason to postpone planting unnecessarily.
How to Heel In a Tree Outdoors
Choose a shaded, sheltered spot with well-drained soil. Shade helps keep the temporary site cool, while shelter reduces exposure to drying wind.
- Dig a suitable trench. Make it wide and deep enough to hold the roots without sharply bending or crowding them.
- Position the tree. Set the roots into the trench, keeping them protected from sun and wind while you work.
- Cover the roots. Work loose soil around and over the entire root system so no roots remain exposed.
- Settle the soil. Firm gently and water as needed to settle soil around the roots. Avoid heavy compaction.
- Check moisture. Keep the soil around the roots moist, but make sure excess water can drain away.
Choose a location you can check easily. A forgotten tree can dry out even when its roots are covered.
Use a Container When Outdoor Heeling In Is Not Practical
A temporary pot is an option when the ground is frozen or a suitable outdoor bed is unavailable. Choose a container with drainage holes and enough room for the roots without forcing them into a tight bundle.
Cover the roots with a moist, well-drained potting mix. Water as needed and let excess water escape. Do not leave the container standing in a tray of water.
Keep the dormant tree in a cool, frost-free location. An unheated garage may be suitable only if its actual temperature stays appropriate; some garages become too warm or fall below freezing.
Cool Storage for a Short Delay
For a short delay, you may be able to keep the tree in its damp packing material instead of heeling it in. Iowa State University Extension recommends a cool, nonfreezing location around 40°F (4°C) for stored bare root plants.
Keep the roots covered and check the packing regularly. It should feel damp like a wrung-out sponge. Add moisture when needed, but do not soak the package.
This temperature is practical guidance for sheltered storage, not a claim that every species has the same storage limits. Follow any specific instructions supplied with your tree.
Keep Roots Moist, Not Waterlogged
Roots can be harmed by drying, but storing them in standing water is not a safe alternative. University of Georgia Extension warns against holding unplanted trees in a bucket of water.
A brief preplanting soak recommended for a particular tree is different from prolonged water storage. While waiting to plant, use damp packing, a well-drained temporary bed, or a suitable potting mix.
Check the material around the roots rather than relying only on how the surface looks. Adjust watering to its moisture level and the storage conditions.
Watch for New Growth
Check the buds while the tree is being held. Swelling buds or emerging leaves show that growth is beginning, so arrange permanent planting promptly when conditions permit.
If the tree starts growing but the permanent site remains unsuitable, ask the nursery or your local Cooperative Extension office for advice on temporary potting and care. Do not assume that dormant-storage instructions remain suitable for a leafy tree.
Move the Tree to Its Permanent Site
When conditions are suitable, uncover the roots carefully rather than pulling the tree out by its trunk. Keep the roots moist and protected as you move it, and plant without unnecessary delay.
Before planting, use Grow Organic’s Choosing a Location for Your Bare Root Tree guide to check sunlight, drainage, and growing space.
Shop Bare Root Trees
Explore Grow Organic’s Bare Root Trees collection for varieties and product-specific growing information.
Heeling In Video
For a visual introduction, watch the Heeling In Bare Root Trees video.
Conclusion
A planting delay does not mean leaving your tree’s roots unprotected. Choose outdoor heeling in, temporary potting, or cool storage according to the conditions available. Keep the roots covered and moist, avoid standing water, and check the tree regularly. Move it to its permanent location as soon as suitable planting conditions return.
FAQs About Heeling In Bare Root Trees
What does “heeling in” mean?
Heeling in is temporary planting, usually in a trench or bed, with soil covering the roots. It protects bare roots from drying out while the permanent planting site is unavailable.
How long can a bare root tree stay heeled in?
There is no guaranteed storage period suitable for every tree and setup. Plant as soon as conditions allow, preferably before new growth begins. If a longer delay is unavoidable, ask the nursery or your local Cooperative Extension office for advice.
Should bare roots stay wet while stored?
Keep roots moist and covered, but not waterlogged. Check the surrounding soil or packing material regularly. Do not store an unplanted tree with its roots submerged in a bucket of water.
Can I heel in a tree in a container?
Yes. Temporary potting is an alternative to outdoor heeling in. Use a container with drainage holes, enough room for the roots, and moist, well-drained potting mix. Keep a dormant tree in a cool, frost-free location and check moisture regularly.
What temperature should stored bare root trees be kept at?
For sheltered storage before planting, Iowa State University Extension recommends a cool, nonfreezing location around 40°F (4°C). Keep packing material damp and follow tree-specific instructions. This is storage guidance, not a universal outdoor temperature limit.
