Bare Root Tree Planting Advice (grow, trees, spring, input)
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After a beautiful March, it's turned cold wet and rainy/snowy. I'd ordered a couple bare root trees over the winter, and I just got notification that they shipped and will be here on Thursday. Our wet spell isn't due to end any time soon. We have off and on light rain predicted for every day in the 7 day forecast, and the ground is already wet. So, we aren't going to get picture perfect planting conditions any time soon.
So...I know I need to get these in the ground within a couple days or I need to figure out how to store them. And the conditions aren't going to be optimal by any means. I have silt loam soil, which should help with the compaction piece but I'm sure I'm still risking a muddy mess.
How would you guys recommend getting these in the ground with the minimal amount of damage to the soil structure around the roots? Or am I better off heeling the plants in somewhere and planting once things have dried out a bit?
I'd put them in. Maybe dig the hole now ($10 hole for $2 tree), and then put them in when received. I imagine you'll be told to soak the roots in water overnight before planting.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
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Bare root trees can last a few weeks as packed if in mulch, as long as you add a little water to keep the roots from drying out. When they arrive, if buds are swelling or any green is showing then they need to be planted sooner, but you could pot them up and transfer to the soil later. If you line the pot with old newspapers, it's fairly easy to transfer to a hole in the ground without disturbing the roots again. The newspaper will disintegrate before the roots grow out that far.
Location: Was Midvalley Oregon; Now Eastside Seattle area
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Into the ground.
[I got 2 bareroot apples still in the water for 3rd week. I got a piriformis issue from digging too many holes for trees. Western States are about 2 weeks early and entering unheard 75+/80 weather.]
I appreciate the input guys. I decided to do a little exploratory digging last night and soil conditions were better than I thought. All four are now in their final spots and watered in. And wouldn't you know it, it's now snowing! It's been a odd spring.
I planted a Winter Banana and Braeburn apple, and two American Redbuds.
Location: East of Seattle since 1992, 615' Elevation, Zone 8b - originally from SF Bay Area
44,422 posts, read 80,851,810 times
Reputation: 57507
Quote:
Originally Posted by TWG1572
I appreciate the input guys. I decided to do a little exploratory digging last night and soil conditions were better than I thought. All four are now in their final spots and watered in. And wouldn't you know it, it's now snowing! It's been a odd spring.
I planted a Winter Banana and Braeburn apple, and two American Redbuds.
It has been an odd spring, dry all week here and 80 yesterday, more of the same today and through the weekend before the normal rain returns next week.
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