A Care and Handling Guide for Bareroot Plants
Bailey Nurseries operates one of the largest bareroot storage facilities in the U.S., supporting the distribution an average of 10 million plants annually across all locations. For those interested in the practice, here’s a look at the benefits of bareroot production and storage, and how to ensure bareroot plants not only survive but thrive.
Why Bareroot?
Bareroot plants offer a strong foundation for growth, thanks to their well-developed root systems and ease of handling. They’re also an efficient, cost-effective option, making them ideal for early-season planning and large-scale plantings. Bareroot gives growers the ability to stay ahead of schedule while securing key varieties from a diverse selection. It’s a smart, reliable way to get growing.
Handling Bareroot Plants and Why Moisture Matters
Whether using bareroot for a landscaping job, liners for field production, or at retail, the key to their success is water. Since bareroot plants lack soil around their roots to keep them moist, they require more water than a planted tree would. Before shipping, Bailey ensures the plants receive ample water via high humidity and hand watering. For longer shipments, Bailey covers the roots with wood chips and/or treats them with a moisture-retaining solution to keep hydrated throughout transit.
Can’t Plant Right Away?
Water is essential for maintaining dormancy and for waking the plants up. Growers will know plants are breaking dormancy when the buds begin to swell. If planting needs to be delayed, store the plants in a cool, dark place, ideally around 40°F. Keep the roots moist but not soggy, and ensure good air circulation to prevent disease and root rot.
For delays exceeding a week, consider heeling-in, a method used to temporarily store bareroot plants. To do this, dig a trench in soil or sawdust/chips, position the plant roots against the steep side, and cover them with soil or sawdust. Be sure to soak the roots well before covering.
Ready To Plant
The most common method to prepare bareroot plants for planting is soaking the roots in water. This should be accompanied with temperatures at or above 45°F. This signals the plants that it’s time to wake up. Depending on the species, soaking can range from one to two days to a couple of weeks. Once plants begin breaking dormancy, trim any dead roots or broken branches in preparation for planting. At this stage, they’re ready to be potted or planted directly into the ground.
Some plants require additional effort to wake up. Sweating is a process used to encourage bud break. This is used for birch, oak, redbud, ash, linden, honey locust, and others. Some trees may need more or less sweating time than others. After the plants are well hydrated, they are placed indoors with a moderate temperature of around 50-60°F. Cover the roots with a wet packing material like straw, woodchips, or burlap, and then cover the entire plant with clear plastic. Seal the edges to trap the humidity and create a sauna-like effect. Check the plants daily for bed swelling and plant as soon as possible, weather permitting, to avoid freezing or drying out the new buds.
Additional Resources for Bareroot Plants
Bailey Nurseries provides many additional resources for handling, storing, and preparing bareroot plants, including its Bareroot Program and Bareroot Grading Guide. For additional information and resources on bareroot care and handling, please read the original article found on the Bailey Nurseries website.
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