What To Look For When Buying Bare Root Plants

Buying bare root plants for the first time can feel a little strange. These are plants sold while they are dormant without any soil around their roots and no rootball of soil. The plants are not sold in containers. What do bare roots on a plant look like? They look like sticks! But, properly planted and cared for, they can grow happily in your landscape.

Like every other thing in life, bare root plants have advantages and disadvantages. “Should I buy bare root plants?” is not a question with a universal answer. The important thing is to consider whether they’re right for you. Since almost all bare root plants are also available with a rootball, the choice is really up to each gardener.

Bare root plants are pulled from their growing spot while they are dormant. The soil is shaken off the roots because it makes them lighter. This means they’re easier to transport and therefore considerably less expensive. The least expensive trees, bushes, roses, and perennials are those sold with bare roots. Anyone ordering bare root plants online or from a catalog will appreciate that lightness.

Another advantage is how easy it is to plant bare root plants. You simply backfill the planting hole with the removed soil rather than light container soil, so the plant will not have to adapt from the seller’s container soil to native soil.

But be aware that bare root plants have to be planted promptly. Those roots have to be in the ground before the plant breaks dormancy. This may leave just a small window of planting time after transport.

It’s always important to buy landscape plants from a reputable source. When a nursery or grower puts a lot of effort into the care of plants, you end up with healthier, hardier, more vital shrubs and trees.

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