Introduction
Bare root trees should be planted as soon as conditions allow, but weather, frozen soil, or an unfinished planting site can sometimes delay planting. Heeling in is a temporary way to protect dormant bare roots from drying out while you wait for a suitable planting window.
The goal is simple: keep the roots protected and evenly moist, avoid waterlogging, and keep the plant dormant until it can be planted permanently.
Inspect Bare Root Trees When They Arrive
Open the package promptly and inspect the tree. Check the graft area on grafted trees, look for serious damage, and make sure the packing material around the roots has not dried out.
Minor twig or branch damage can occur during shipping, but major damage or signs of a serious problem should be documented and reported according to Grow Organic’s current customer-service instructions.
When Should You Heel In a Bare Root Tree?
Heel in a tree when it cannot be planted promptly because the ground is frozen, the permanent site is not ready, or weather conditions make planting impractical. Heeling in is temporary storage, not a substitute for permanent planting.
Plant as soon as suitable conditions return and, when possible, while the tree is still dormant.
Outdoor Heeling-In Method
If the ground can be worked, choose a protected location away from drying wind. Place the roots in a temporary trench or protected bed and cover the entire root system with loose soil or another suitable temporary medium. Firm it gently enough to remove large air pockets without compacting the root zone.
Keep the root area evenly moist. Do not leave the roots exposed to sun or wind, and do not allow the temporary site to become waterlogged.
Container or Sheltered Storage
When the ground is frozen or outdoor heeling is impractical, a large container in a cool, sheltered location can provide temporary protection. Cover the roots with a loose moisture-holding medium and make sure excess water can drain.
Keep the storage area cool enough to help maintain dormancy while protecting the roots from hard freezing. Avoid warm storage conditions that encourage premature growth.
Keep Roots Moist, Not Wet
Check the temporary medium regularly. It should stay moist around the roots but should not remain saturated. Dry roots can be damaged quickly, while standing water and poor drainage create a different set of problems.
Use a clean, loose medium that protects the roots while allowing excess moisture to drain.
Monitor Dormancy During Storage
Check the tree regularly while it is being held. If buds begin swelling or growth starts, make permanent planting a priority as soon as site and weather conditions allow. Heeling in is intended to bridge a delay, not to become long-term storage.
Plant as Soon as Conditions Allow
Move the tree to its permanent site once the ground and weather allow proper planting. Do not intentionally keep a bare root tree heeled in longer than necessary.
Before planting, use Grow Organic’s Choosing a Location for Your Bare Root Tree guide to confirm the permanent site.
Shop Bare Root Trees
Browse Grow Organic’s Bare Root Trees collection for current varieties and product-specific growing information.
Heeling In Video
For a visual demonstration, watch the existing Heeling In Bare Root Trees video.
