Bare Root Plants: What They Are & How to Plant Them Successfully

Buying a new plant doesn't always mean bringing home a leafy plant in a nursery container. Some plants are sold as bare root plants, meaning the plant is shipped or sold while dormant with most of the soil removed from around its roots.

At first glance, a bare root plant may look surprisingly different from a typical potted plant. Instead of a full root ball surrounded by potting mix, you may receive a dormant plant with exposed roots, minimal foliage, and protective packaging around the root system.

Don't let the appearance fool you.

When handled and planted correctly, bare root plants can establish successfully and develop strong root systems. They are commonly used for trees, shrubs, perennial plants, fruit plants, roses, and other species that tolerate dormant-season handling.

The key is understanding how bare root plants differ from container-grown plants and giving their roots the right treatment from the moment they arrive.

In this guide, we'll explain what bare root plants are, how to prepare them, how to plant them, how to water them, and which mistakes to avoid.

What Are Bare Root Plants?

Bare root plants are plants that are sold, transported, or transplanted with little or no soil surrounding their roots.

They are generally handled while dormant, particularly during the cooler portion of the growing season when many deciduous plants have naturally stopped active above-ground growth.

Instead of a traditional nursery pot and soil-filled root ball, a bare root plant may consist of:

• A dormant stem, trunk, or crown
• An exposed root system
• Protective wrapping or packing material
• Little or no foliage, depending on the plant species and season

Because there is no heavy root ball and container soil to transport, bare root plants can be easier and less expensive to ship.

However, their exposed roots also require careful handling.

Bare Root vs. Container-Grown Plants

A container-grown plant typically arrives with its roots surrounded by growing media.

A bare root plant arrives with its roots exposed.

Feature	Bare Root Plants	Container-Grown Plants
Root system	Exposed	Surrounded by growing media
Typical condition	Often dormant	May be actively growing
Shipping weight	Usually lighter	Usually heavier
Planting season	Often dormant season	Often more flexible
Root handling	Requires extra care	Generally easier
Transplant stress	Can be low when planted correctly	Varies by plant and root condition
Initial appearance	May have little foliage	Usually leafy or actively growing

The right choice depends on the plant species, season, climate, availability, and your planting conditions.

Why Are Plants Sold Bare Root?

There are several practical reasons growers and nurseries use bare root plants.

1. Easier Transportation

Without a container and large volume of growing media, bare root plants are generally lighter and easier to package.

2. Efficient Storage

Dormant plants can often be stored and transported more efficiently than actively growing, containerized plants.

3. Direct Root-to-Soil Establishment

When planted during an appropriate dormant period, the roots can begin establishing directly in the surrounding soil.

4. Less Container-Related Root Restriction

Because the plant isn't spending months or years growing inside a nursery container, it may avoid some of the root circling and root restriction that can develop in poorly managed containers.

5. Large Selection of Plants

Many nurseries offer certain trees, shrubs, roses, berries, and perennial plants as bare root selections.

However, not every plant is suitable for bare root handling. Always follow the supplier's instructions for the specific plant.

When Is the Best Time to Plant Bare Root Plants?

Timing is one of the most important parts of bare root planting.

For many deciduous trees and shrubs, bare root planting is commonly associated with the dormant season, when the plant has limited or no active top growth.

The exact planting window depends on:

• Plant species
• Local climate
• Soil temperature
• Frost conditions
• Ground conditions
• Shipping schedule
• Whether the plant is dormant
• Local growing season

In colder climates, bare root plants are often planted before they break dormancy in spring or during suitable fall conditions.

In warmer climates, timing can be different.

A Simple Rule

Plant bare root plants as soon as practical after receiving them, provided the soil and weather conditions are appropriate for the plant.

Do not leave bare roots exposed to drying air, direct sunlight, heat, or freezing conditions for extended periods.

What to Do When Your Bare Root Plant Arrives

One of the biggest mistakes is treating a bare root plant like a regular potted plant.

Once it arrives, inspect it promptly.

Step 1: Open the Package Carefully

Remove the protective packaging and inspect the plant.

Look at:

• Roots
• Stems
• Trunk
• Buds
• Crown
• Graft union, if present
• Signs of damage
• Signs of excessive drying

Avoid roughly pulling apart or bending the roots.

Step 2: Keep the Roots Moist

Bare roots should not be allowed to dry out.

If you cannot plant immediately, keep the roots protected and appropriately moist according to the supplier's instructions.

Do not leave the roots sitting exposed on a sunny porch, driveway, or workbench.

Step 3: Don't Store the Plant in Water Indefinitely

Keeping roots moist is important, but that doesn't mean they should remain submerged for an extended period.

Long-term soaking can reduce oxygen availability around the roots.

Follow the plant supplier's specific instructions for temporary storage or soaking.

How to Prepare Bare Root Plants for Planting

Before planting, carefully inspect and prepare the root system.

1. Inspect the Roots

Healthy roots should generally be firm and reasonably flexible for the plant type.

Look for:

• Broken roots
• Severely damaged roots
• Extremely dry roots
• Rotting tissue
• Mold or unusual discoloration

Remove only clearly damaged or dead portions with clean, sharp pruning tools when appropriate.

Avoid unnecessary root pruning.

2. Rehydrate Dry Roots When Appropriate

If the plant's instructions recommend soaking before planting, place the roots in clean water for the recommended period.

This can help rehydrate roots that have become somewhat dry during handling and shipping.

However, soaking time varies by plant and supplier instructions.

Don't assume that longer soaking is better.

How to Plant Bare Root Plants Successfully

Once the plant is prepared, it's time to plant.

Step 1: Choose the Right Location

Before digging, determine whether the location meets the plant's needs.

Consider:

• Sunlight
• Soil drainage
• Mature plant size
• Wind exposure
• Available space
• Soil type
• Water availability
• Nearby structures
• Competition from other plants

A healthy root system cannot compensate for a location that is fundamentally unsuitable for the plant.

Step 2: Dig a Wide Planting Hole

Dig a hole that is wide enough to comfortably spread the roots.

The hole generally shouldn't be dramatically deeper than the root system.

A common mistake is digging a very deep hole and placing the plant too far below the surrounding soil level.

Instead, focus on creating enough width for the roots to extend naturally.

Step 3: Create a Small Mound if Needed

For some bare root plants, especially trees, creating a small mound in the center of the planting hole can help position the roots.

Place the plant on the mound and spread the roots outward and downward naturally.

The goal is to avoid forcing roots into a tight circle or bending them sharply upward.

Step 4: Position the Plant Correctly

Place the plant so that the root system sits at an appropriate depth.

For trees and grafted plants, pay particular attention to:

• Root flare
• Graft union
• Crown
• Original planting depth recommendations

The plant should generally not be buried deeper than recommended.

Planting too deeply is one of the most common causes of problems with newly planted trees and shrubs.

Step 5: Spread the Roots Naturally

Gently arrange the roots around the planting area.

Don't twist, knot, or tightly bunch them together.

If a root is significantly longer than the planting hole allows, widen the hole rather than aggressively folding the root.

Step 6: Backfill With the Excavated Soil

Begin filling the hole with the soil you removed.

Gently work soil around the roots so that large air pockets are minimized.

Avoid aggressively compacting the soil.

The goal is good root-to-soil contact while maintaining enough pore space for air and water movement.

Step 7: Water Thoroughly

After planting, water the area thoroughly.

This helps settle soil around the roots and provides moisture during the critical establishment period.

Avoid creating constantly saturated conditions unless the particular plant requires wet soil.

Good drainage remains important for most garden plants.

Step 8: Add Mulch

A layer of organic mulch can help moderate soil temperature, reduce evaporation, and limit competition from weeds.

Keep mulch away from direct contact with the trunk or stem.

Instead of creating a tall mound around the trunk, spread mulch across the surrounding root zone.

How Much Water Do Bare Root Plants Need?

Newly planted bare root plants need consistent moisture while their roots establish.

However, watering frequency should depend on the plant, soil, weather, drainage, and climate.

Check the soil rather than following an arbitrary daily watering schedule.

Watch for Both Extremes

Too little water can cause:

• Root drying
• Wilting
• Poor establishment
• Leaf drop after growth begins
• Reduced new growth

Too much water can cause:

• Poor soil aeration
• Root stress
• Root disease problems
• Slow establishment

The goal is to maintain appropriate moisture without leaving the root zone continuously waterlogged.

Should You Fertilize a Bare Root Plant Immediately?

Usually, the first priority should be proper planting, moisture, and root establishment rather than heavy fertilization.

Applying excessive fertilizer around newly planted roots can create unnecessary stress.

Instead:

1. Plant correctly.
2. Maintain appropriate moisture.
3. Monitor the plant.
4. Follow the plant's specific nutrient requirements.
5. Fertilize when appropriate for the species and growing conditions.

If you're unsure, a soil test can provide useful information before making significant nutrient amendments.

You can explore Grow It Depot's Nutrients collection when the plant's nutritional needs call for supplemental products.

Should You Prune Bare Root Plants?

Avoid unnecessary pruning simply because the plant is bare root.

You may need to remove:

• Clearly damaged branches
• Broken stems
• Dead material
• Diseased portions

But aggressive pruning is generally unnecessary unless recommended for the specific species or planting situation.

The plant needs its remaining healthy tissues to support establishment and future growth.

Bare Root Plants in Containers

Not every bare root plant has to be planted directly into the ground.

Some can be temporarily or permanently grown in containers if the species is appropriate for container culture.

When choosing a container, consider:

• Root system size
• Drainage
• Plant maturity
• Expected growth
• Container depth
• Container width
• Climate
• Future transplanting requirements

Grow It Depot offers a range of Pots and Containers that can be useful for container-grown plants and temporary holding.

The container should provide adequate drainage and enough space for the roots without being excessively large for the plant's current needs.

How to Care for Bare Root Plants After Planting

The first several weeks are an important establishment period.

Monitor Soil Moisture

Check the soil regularly and adjust watering according to weather and soil conditions.

Watch for New Growth

Depending on the plant and season, you may see:

• Bud swelling
• New leaves
• New shoots
• Root establishment
• Gradual canopy development

Don't panic if a dormant bare root plant doesn't immediately produce leaves.

Protect From Extreme Conditions

Newly planted plants may need protection from:

• Strong winds
• Extreme heat
• Severe cold
• Dry conditions
• Animal browsing
• Physical damage

Use protection appropriate for your plant and local environment.

Control Weeds

Keep aggressive weeds and grasses away from the plant's root zone.

Weeds compete for:

• Water
• Nutrients
• Light
• Root-zone space

A properly maintained mulch layer can help reduce competition.

Common Mistakes When Planting Bare Root Plants

Even experienced gardeners can make mistakes when handling bare root plants.

1. Letting the Roots Dry Out

Exposed roots can dry quickly.

Better approach: Keep roots protected and appropriately moist until planting.

2. Leaving the Plant Out of the Ground Too Long

Bare root plants are not designed to sit around indefinitely after arrival.

Better approach: Prepare the planting site before the plant arrives whenever possible.

3. Planting Too Deep

Deep planting can interfere with healthy root development and, for trees, can bury the root flare.

Better approach: Pay close attention to the recommended planting depth.

4. Folding or Forcing Roots Into a Small Hole

Roots shouldn't be tightly twisted or jammed into the planting hole.

Better approach: Dig a wider hole and arrange the roots naturally.

5. Overwatering

Trying to prevent drying can sometimes lead to continuously saturated soil.

Better approach: Maintain consistent moisture while allowing appropriate drainage.

6. Adding Too Much Fertilizer

More fertilizer doesn't automatically mean faster establishment.

Better approach: Focus first on correct planting and moisture management.

7. Pruning Too Aggressively

Removing large amounts of healthy growth can add unnecessary stress.

Better approach: Remove only damaged or dead material unless species-specific guidance recommends otherwise.

8. Ignoring the Plant's Climate Requirements

A correctly planted plant can still struggle if it's grown in an unsuitable environment.

Better approach: Choose plants suited to your local conditions and follow species-specific planting recommendations.

Bare Root Planting Checklist

Before planting:

• Confirm the plant species and planting requirements

• Prepare the planting location

• Inspect the roots

• Remove only clearly damaged roots

• Keep roots protected from drying

• Rehydrate according to supplier recommendations

• Dig a wide planting hole

• Check planting depth

• Position roots naturally

• Backfill carefully

• Water thoroughly

• Apply appropriate mulch

• Protect the plant if necessary

• Monitor moisture regularly

• Watch for new growth

• Control competing weeds

Helpful Grow It Depot Supplies for Planting and Establishment

The right equipment can make plant establishment easier.

Pots & Containers

For bare root plants that will be grown in containers, explore Grow It Depot's Pots and Containers collection.

Propagation Supplies

For smaller plants and young starts, Grow It Depot also offers Propagation supplies.

The site currently carries propagation products such as trays, inserts, humidity domes, and small containers for starting and establishing young plants.

Environmental Control

For plants that require protected growing conditions, explore Environmental Control equipment.

Grow Lights

If a container-grown plant needs supplemental indoor lighting, browse Grow It Depot's Grow Lights collection.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bare Root Plants

Are bare root plants dead?

No. Bare root plants can look lifeless because they are often dormant and have little or no foliage. A healthy dormant plant can still have a viable root system and buds ready for future growth.

Always inspect the plant and follow the supplier's guidance for determining viability.

How long can bare root plants stay out of the ground?

Bare root plants should generally be planted as soon as practical after arrival. If planting must be delayed, protect the roots from drying, freezing, and excessive heat and follow the supplier's temporary-storage instructions.

Should I soak bare root plants before planting?

Some bare root plants benefit from rehydration before planting, but soaking recommendations vary by plant and supplier. Follow the instructions provided with your plant rather than assuming that extended soaking is necessary.

Can I plant bare root plants in pots?

Yes, some bare root plants can be grown in containers. However, container suitability depends on the plant species, expected mature size, root system, and growing conditions.

Do bare root plants need fertilizer when planted?

Not necessarily. The priority immediately after planting is proper positioning, soil contact, moisture, and establishment. Nutrient requirements vary by plant and soil conditions.

Why are my bare root plants not growing immediately?

Many bare root plants are dormant when planted. They may need time to establish roots and transition into active growth. The timing depends on the species, season, temperature, and planting conditions.

How deep should a bare root plant be planted?

Planting depth varies by species. Generally, the root system should be positioned naturally without burying the plant too deeply. For trees, the root flare should be appropriately positioned relative to the soil surface.

Can bare root plants be planted in summer?

It depends on the plant and local climate. Many bare root plants are handled and planted while dormant because they can be more vulnerable to drying and transplant stress during active growth. Follow the supplier's planting-season recommendations.

Should I prune the roots before planting?

Only remove clearly damaged, dead, or otherwise problematic roots when appropriate. Avoid unnecessary root pruning.

How often should I water a newly planted bare root plant?

There is no universal schedule. Check the soil and consider temperature, rainfall, soil type, drainage, and plant requirements. The goal is consistent moisture without prolonged waterlogging.

Final Thoughts

Bare root plants may look unusual when they first arrive, but their dormant appearance is not necessarily a sign of poor health.

Successful bare root planting comes down to a few fundamentals:

Protect the roots. Plant at the correct depth. Spread the roots naturally. Maintain appropriate moisture. Give the plant time to establish.

Preparing the planting site before your plant arrives, handling the roots carefully, and avoiding common mistakes can give your new plant a much better start.

Whether you're planting a tree, shrub, rose, perennial, or another suitable species, the first few weeks are about creating the right conditions for healthy root establishment.

With proper preparation and consistent care, a bare root plant can develop into a strong, productive addition to your garden.