Planting Bare Root Trees

It wasn’t until the ancient cider apple tree in my garden came down during last winter’s stormy weather that I began to give much thought what I might plant in the patch of land it had occupied for many years.

With the best of the summer weather now almost a distant memory, and the night’s beginning to draw in rapidly, we enter the traditional time of year to plant bare-root trees, shrubs and perennials, Although the temperature may have dipped, the soil will have retained its warmth, giving the roots of newly planted specimens the opportunity to quietly settle themselves in, and take hold before winter finally arrives. Plants need this time to gear themselves up for the heady rush of spring, some months off.

There has been much debate about the best way to plant a tree, and fashions come and go. Current advice focuses on nurturing the surrounding soil, up to 2-3 metres, with mulch and slow-release bone meal. The thinking behind this is that whilst you want the soil of the planting hole to be rich in nutrients, the newly formed roots will be less inclined to venture far, literally spreading their roots.

Where the soil might be stony and shallow it is still worth digging in feed and compost to provide a balance between the two growing conditions; the comfortable haven of the pot and the harsh reality of the real world.

If planting on heavy clay you may find that a square planting pit will encourage roots to find an exit route via the corners, rather than curling themselves into an endless circular tangle, as they are inclined to do if the pit is round. .

Trees and shrubs should be planted at the same level as they are in their pots, taking them up to the ‘high-tide’ mark where bare roots are concerned.

When backfilling the hole, give the plants a little wiggle, to settle the soil around their roots, and only then firm them in.