Bare Root Fruit Trees: Lists, Care/Planting Info, & Printable Files

If possible, take your tree out of the bag when you get home, wet down the roots, and then bury the roots completely in a pile of moist mulch or dirt until you can plant it (as soon as possible!). 

If you cannot protect it immediately in a pile of mulch or dirt, then put it in a garage or protected area where the temp will stay above freezing. Insulate the roots from cold concrete or other cold flooring with a blanket or cardboard. Open the bag daily and spray the roots to keep them moist, then close the bag to retain moisture.

The best advice is to plant your tree as soon as possible!

Planting your bare root tree:

If you have typical SC clay soil, I recommend amending the soil with: 

a roughly 3 to 1 mixture of a good compost-based black soil (3 parts) and a soil-loosening product such as a “soil conditioner” (1 part). Add this mix to the existing soil and mix well.

o Fill the hole you dig with water and let it be absorbed before planting (unless temp is going to be below 32 degrees)

o Wet the roots of your tree down thoroughly before planting

o Work the amended soil in well around the roots so that soil is in contact with all root surfaces

o The “crown” of the tree (root flare) should sit just above the soil surface

o Your young tree needs regular deep watering to get the roots established. (Look online for a ”tree gaiter” for an easy solution, or run a soaker/drip hose).

Depending on the tree, you may want to add a bamboo or other type of stake while the tree is establishing more roots. Tie the stake to the tree with a soft or stretchy material that will not cut into the bark as the tree grows.

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One of many online resources for advice on care and pruning of fruit trees:

Clemson Home & Garden Information Center

https://hgic.clemson.edu