Planting trees is one of the most important things we can do. Trees are not only beautiful they help our environment as well by cleaning the air. During one year, a mature tree will absorb more than 48 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen in exchange.
One question we get very often is when is the best time to plant trees? We recommend planting bareroot trees when they are dormant. Bare root trees not only grow quicker, they adapt better to their new conditions than potted trees.
Since bareroot trees are dormant with no soil. They are lightweight making it easier and less expensive for you to purchase and plant. In addition, bare root trees, shrubs and plants are usually 30-50% less expensive than potted trees and a plants. That's a significant savings.
Another advantage to bareroot trees is that their root system is stronger and wider which helps with better anchorage for the tree when you plant them. When ordering bareroot trees, inspect the root system when they arrive. They should be plump, fresh and firm. The roots themselves should be well formed.
It's best to try to plant your bareroot dormant trees within 24 hours once they arrive at your home. If that is not possible, store them in their original packaging and keep the roots moist but not soggy. Move your package to a cool location protected from freezes or drastic changes in temperature.
When you're ready to plant, dig a hole deep enough to accommodate the root system and 1.5 times the width. Gently fill in the hole with loose soil and compost. Press the dirt to firm around the tree base and thoroughly water.
Remember to provide consistent watering for the first year. Enjoy your new addition to the tree family in your yard!