Planting bare root trees in containers is an excellent option for gardeners with limited space Bare root trees, sold without soil around the roots, allow you to pot up and grow young trees on a patio, balcony, or any small area. With the proper technique, these bare root specimens can flourish in pots
This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of successfully planting bare root trees in containers. Whether you’re a novice or seasoned gardener, you’ll find useful tips to create thriving, fruitful trees in pots.
Benefits of Growing Bare Root Trees in Containers
Here are some key advantages of using containers for bare root trees:
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Space efficiency – Pots are perfect for compact areas like balconies and patios. You can grow trees even with minimal space.
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Mobility – Containerized trees can easily be moved to optimize sunlight exposure or provide winter shelter
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Controlled environment – Potting mix and drainage can be tailored to the needs of specific tree varieties.
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Easier care – Pest and disease management is simplified compared to in-ground trees
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Limiting size – The restricted space of containers contains root growth to keep trees smaller.
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No transplant shock – Spring planting minimizes stress since roots establish directly in the pot.
Choosing the Right Container
Selecting an appropriate pot is crucial for the health and longevity of your bare root tree. Here are key factors to consider:
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Drainage – The container must have ample drainage holes to prevent waterlogging. Elevate plastic pots to enhance drainage.
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Size – Pick a pot at least 2-3 times wider than the root ball to allow 1-2 years of growth before repotting.
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Material – More porous terra cotta and wood improve drainage and air circulation versus plastic.
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Durability – Opt for sturdy, weatherproof materials that will last for years outdoors.
For most deciduous bare root trees, choose at least a 10-20 gallon pot. Dwarf varieties can go in 2-5 gallon containers. Match the shape to the mature form.
Preparing the Potting Mix
Use a high-quality, well-draining potting mix suitable for container trees. A blend of:
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Potting soil provides structure and nutrients
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Compost or peat moss enhances moisture retention
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Perlite improves drainage and aeration
For best results, moisten the mix before using. This allows the roots to readily absorb water.
How to Plant Bare Root Trees in Containers
Follow these simple steps for planting success:
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Prepare roots – Unpack carefully and submerge in water for 2-6 hours before planting. Prune any damaged roots.
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Prep pot – Add pebbles at the bottom for drainage. Fill 2-3 inches with moistened potting mix.
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Plant – Position the tree, spreading out roots carefully without crowding. Leave root flare exposed.
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Backfill – Gradually add more mix around roots, tamping down to remove air pockets.
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Water – Water thoroughly until it drains out the bottom. This settles the soil around the roots.
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Mulch (optional) – Top with 1-2 inches of organic mulch to retain moisture.
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Stake (if needed) – Install a stake to support top-heavy trees in windy conditions.
Proper potting technique provides the best start for establishing bare root trees in containers.
Caring for Container Grown Trees
Ongoing care and maintenance is crucial for the health and productivity of potted bare root trees.
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Watering – Check soil moisture frequently, watering whenever the top few inches become dry. Drainage is imperative.
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Fertilizing – Use a balanced organic fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing.
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Pest/disease management – Monitor for common issues and treat promptly when detected. Prevention is ideal.
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Repotting – Shift the tree to a larger container every 2-3 years as it grows.
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Pruning – Trim actively to restrict size and maintain desired shape.
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Overwintering – Shelter in an unheated garage or structure to help survive cold weather if possible.
With attentive care, bare root trees can thrive for years in container gardens.
Tips for the Best Results
Follow these tips to ensure successfully growing bare root trees in pots:
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Select compact, dwarf varieties suited for containers. Fruit trees are great options.
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Limit one tree per pot, as roots will eventually consume all space.
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Rotate pots to prevent lopsided leaning toward sunlight.
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Use porous containers like terra cotta for improved drainage.
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Fertilize regularly, but avoid excessive amounts.
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Prune actively to restrict size and maintain shape.
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Provide protection from strong winds which can topple potted trees.
Troubleshooting Common Bare Root Tree Problems
Here are some frequent issues seen in container grown bare root trees and solutions:
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Poor drainage – Repot in a container with better drainage. Improve drainage holes.
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Rootbound – Shift to a larger pot if roots are circling or growing out the drainage holes.
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Underwatering – Increase watering frequency. Check soil moisture regularly.
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Overwatering – Allow soil to dry out completely before next watering.
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Insufficient light – Move the potted tree to a sunnier location.
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Pests/diseases – Treat promptly when detected. Improve preventive care.
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Trunk/root rot – Reduce watering, scrape off any rotten areas. Let soil dry completely.
Careful attention to planting, care, and troubleshooting will help your potted bare root trees flourish.
Growing bare root trees in containers is an excellent gardening solution with many benefits. By following proper potting techniques, providing attentive care, and troubleshooting issues, even novice gardeners can have success with potted bare root trees. The result is beautiful, productive trees thriving in pots, even in limited spaces.
This guide outlined key steps from choosing the right container and soil to post-planting maintenance and problem-solving. Apply these tips this season to pot up bare root trees and enjoy their beauty on your patio or balcony. With the right knowledge, you can have striking container grown trees, no yard required!
How to Plant Bare Root Trees
When you receive your trees, they will be boxed securely with their roots wrapped in plastic and their limbs and roots trimmed back (not fully pruned) to fit inside the box. First, inspect the bag and make sure that the media around the roots is still moist. In the event that the media requires additional moisture, use a clean spray bottle to moisten it evenly.
The day before you plant, inspect the roots. Any roots that are not firm and plump should be trimmed back to healthy tissue, above any damage or withering. We also recommend soaking the roots overnight in a bucket of water.
It is not recommended that you fertilize your bare root tree with high levels of major nutrients at the time of planting, especially not Nitrogen. Use a transplanting fertilizer like Down to Earth Starter Mix or E.B Stone Sure Start, which are intended to be mixed with your soil while planting your tree. They include small amounts of many slow release minerals and nutrients that your tree will benefit from while establishing itself, in combination with humates and mycorrhizae.
Dig a hole the same depth as the root system and two to three times as wide as the root system. Current research indicates that a saucer shaped hole with sides that slope gently upward, the same depth and three times the width of the root system stimulates the most root growth. Do not plant your trees too deeply. Plant the tree to the same level it was planted in the nursery. The large perennial roots should be between one and three inches below the surface of the soil. In the case of a single grafted tree, the graft union is normally between two and five inches above the soil line.
Provide a solid, compressed “soil cone” at the bottom of the hole that will support the root system and prevent it from being crushed and broken while backfilling the soil. Make sure that the sides of the hole have not been “glazed” while digging. If this has occurred, break through the “glaze,” roughing up the soil with a trowel or hand-held cultivating fork. If gophers are a problem in your area, a wire gopher basket should be placed in the hole with its bottom modified to accommodate the soil cone you have provided to support the root system. Gophers are less of a threat to mature trees, but this protection could mean the difference between life and death for a young bare-root specimen.
Two more factors must be considered before planting: wind and sun. If high winds will be a factor in your planting location, then the tree should be tilted slightly towards the wind’s prevailing direction. Do not overdo it, a slight tilt will suffice. To prevent sun damage to your new tree, orient the outward curve of the graft union toward the direction of the afternoon sun. The graft union’s inner surface is highly susceptible to sunburn. A trunk wrap or painting the trunk with white latex paint is recommended. Place your tree on the soil cone at the bottom of the hole, orienting it towards the direction of the wind and sun. Backfill with the same soil.
Lightly compact the backfill with your hand, adjusting the tree gently so that the backfill covers the dark trunk color line that represents the bare root trees original planting depth. Water the tree thoroughly and watch for settling. If undue settling occurs, elevate the tree very slightly to raise its height and release any subsoil air pockets.
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When your dormant, bare root plant or tree arrives, open the plastic bags immediately. It is best to plant right away, within a week of delivery. If you cannot plant right away, you may “heel in” the plants to protect them and keep them alive (but still dormant) until planting in their permanent spot. To heel in Bare Root plants outside, pick a location that is shielded from wind. Dig a trench about twice as deep as the roots are long, with one side of the trench sloping at a 45 degree angle. Place the plants, roots side down, so that the trunks/stems are supported by the sloping side. Cover the roots with soil or sand and gently tamp down to avoid air pockets. Periodically check the root area, keeping the soil moist.
To heel in Bare Root plants inside due to snow or frozen ground outside, you can store them in a cool place like a root cellar, basement, or garage. It’s important to choose a place where the temperature stays between 38 and 45 degrees F. This ensures that the tree roots neither freeze, nor the tree break dormancy. Place the roots in a container with soil or sand and be sure to keep the root area moist.
If you dont have a permanent location for your tree or are just not ready to plant it in the ground, you can plant it in a pot as a short-term solution. We recommend using at least a 10 gallon pot. Nut trees have very large root systems and should only be planted in the ground. We do not recommend planting nut trees in pots.
How To Plant BARE ROOT FRUIT TREES In Ground AND In Containers [COMPLETE GUIDE]
FAQ
Do you need to soak bare root trees before planting?
Step 1. Unpack your trees, remove all packing materials, carefully untangle the roots and soak the roots in water 3 to 6 hours.
What month do you plant bare root trees?
Bare-root season for ornamental trees and fruit trees is from mid-December to early spring. The plants have been dug from growing fields and shipped with their roots free of soil to nurseries around the country. Some are individually packaged with their roots packed in moist wood shavings and wrapped in plastic.
How deep should bare root trees be planted?
Don’t dig deep. Planting trees too deep can kill them. The hole should only be deep enough so the tap root does not bend. The root flare should be level with the original soil level.