Bare Root Trees

Unless you have super human strength and are able to lift a young tree, bare root trees are the way to go. January and February are an excellent time to plant bare root trees, such as avocado, apricot, apple, peaches and nectarines.

---

Photo of almond buds by Kate Russell

Rather than living in a pot filled with heavy soil, these saplings are dormant and, well, naked. There are many benefits to planting bare root trees:

• transporting is easier 
• far more affordable
• all roots develop in native soil

To ensure the success of a bare root tree, follow these steps:

1. Soak in roots in a bucket of water for a few hours.
2. Select a location with 6+ hours of sun each day.
3. Evaluate the site for drainage (young trees cannot tolerate standing water).
4. Dig a hole that is wide and shallow.
5. Gently spread roots out horizontally.
6. Cover roots with nutrient rich soil, leaving the crown a few inches above soil level.
7. Water frequently (unless it rains), allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
8. Paint the trunk with a wash made from 1 part latex white paint and 1 part water, up to the first branch, to prevent borers and sunburn.

Before you know it, your bare root trees will be putting out buds! To give the tree the time it needs to develop a strong root system, it is a good idea to remove flower the first 2-4 years.

---