Bare Root Evergreen Trees: Your Guide To An Affordable, Thriving

ByRimon Chowdhury Updated on

Have you ever dreamed of a lush, green garden that stays vibrant all year long, only to be discouraged by the hefty price tags on large, potted evergreen trees? You’re not alone. Creating a beautiful privacy screen or a stately woodland border can feel like a massive investment.

But what if I told you there’s a smarter, more affordable, and surprisingly easy way to achieve that year-round beauty? I promise that by the end of this guide, you’ll feel confident and excited about a method professional growers have used for decades.

Get ready to dive into the world of bare root evergreen trees. We’ll walk through everything from what they are and their incredible benefits to a step-by-step planting process and the essential care tips that will guarantee your success. Let’s grow something amazing together!

What Exactly Are Bare Root Evergreen Trees?

Let’s clear up the mystery right away. The name sounds a bit strange, but the concept is wonderfully simple. Bare root trees are exactly what they sound like: young trees that are harvested from the ground while they’re dormant and shipped with no soil around their roots.

Think of them as sleeping giants. They’re dug up in late fall after they’ve lost their leaves (for deciduous trees) or entered a state of rest (for evergreens). Their roots are then washed clean, bundled, and kept in a cool, moist environment until they’re shipped to you for spring or fall planting.

This is quite different from the heavy container-grown trees you see at a local nursery. Those have been grown in pots, and their roots are confined to that ball of soil. Bare root evergreen trees offer a more natural and direct start in your garden’s native soil.

The Unbeatable Benefits of Bare Root Evergreen Trees

As a gardener who loves both a beautiful landscape and a happy wallet, I can’t recommend this method enough. The benefits of bare root evergreen trees go far beyond just the initial cost savings. This is a truly sustainable and effective way to plant.

Here’s why you should consider going bare root for your next project:

  • Superior Root Health: This is the biggest advantage! Trees grown in containers can become “root-bound,” with roots circling inside the pot. This can strangle the tree over time. Bare root trees have a natural, fibrous root system ready to spread out immediately into your garden soil, leading to faster establishment and a stronger, healthier tree.
  • Incredibly Cost-Effective: Without the expense of soil, pots, and heavy shipping, nurseries can sell bare root trees for a fraction of the cost of their potted cousins. You can often buy three or more bare root trees for the price of one container-grown tree.
  • Easier to Plant: Imagine wrestling a 50-pound root ball into a hole. Now, imagine carrying a lightweight, soil-free tree with one hand. Bare root trees are significantly easier to handle, transport, and place in the ground, making planting day much less strenuous.
  • A Truly Eco-Friendly Choice: This is a big one for gardeners who care about their environmental impact. Choosing sustainable bare root evergreen trees means less plastic pot waste, lower fuel consumption for shipping due to their light weight, and a more natural start for your tree. It’s a win for you and a win for the planet.

Your Step-by-Step Guide: How to Plant Bare Root Evergreen Trees

Alright, your trees have arrived! This is the exciting part. Don’t be intimidated by the bundle of sticks and roots; success is all in the preparation and timing. This complete bare root evergreen trees guide will walk you through the process, ensuring you follow all the best practices.

Timing is Everything: When to Plant

The golden rule of planting bare root trees is to do it while they are dormant. This gives them time to settle in and establish their roots before the stress of summer heat or winter cold arrives.

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This typically means you should plant in the early spring as soon as the ground is workable, or in the late fall after the first hard frost but before the ground freezes solid.

Upon Arrival: Immediate Care is Crucial

The single most important rule for how to bare root evergreen trees successfully is this: DO NOT LET THE ROOTS DRY OUT. Even a few minutes of exposure to sun and wind can damage the delicate root hairs.

As soon as you receive your trees, unbox them. If you can’t plant them immediately, you have two options:

  1. Soak Them: Place the roots in a bucket of cool water for 3 to 6 hours. Do not soak them for more than 24 hours, as this can drown the roots.
  2. Heel Them In: If planting will be delayed by a few days, dig a shallow trench in a shady spot, lay the trees in it, and cover the roots with moist soil or mulch.

Preparing the Perfect Planting Spot

Give your tree the best possible start by preparing its new home properly.

First, choose a location that suits the tree’s needs for sunlight and space at its mature size. Good drainage is also critical for evergreens.

Next, dig a hole that is wide, but not too deep. The hole should be at least twice as wide as the root system to allow the roots to spread out easily. To check the depth, place a shovel handle across the hole. The spot where the trunk meets the roots, known as the root flare, should sit slightly above the surrounding ground level.

The Planting Process: A Gentle Touch

You’re ready for the final step! Follow this planting process carefully for the best results.

  1. Build a Soil Cone: In the center of your wide hole, create a small mound of native soil. This will help support the tree and allow you to arrange the roots in a natural, downward-sloping direction.
  2. Position the Tree: Place the tree on top of the soil cone, carefully spreading the roots out over and down the sides. Avoid bending or breaking them.
  3. Check the Depth: Use your shovel handle again to ensure the root flare is at or just above ground level. Planting too deep is one of the most common mistakes and can lead to root rot.
  4. Backfill the Hole: Gently backfill the hole with the soil you removed. There’s no need to add amendments like compost directly into the hole; it’s better for the tree to adapt to your native soil from day one.
  5. Water Thoroughly: Once the hole is filled, water the tree deeply. This helps settle the soil, remove air pockets, and give the roots the moisture they desperately need.

Post-Planting Care: Your Bare Root Evergreen Trees Care Guide

You’ve done the hard part! Now, a little bit of consistent care during the first year will make all the difference. This simple bare root evergreen trees care guide will set your new additions up for a long and healthy life.

Watering Wisdom

For the first year, your tree’s survival depends on consistent moisture. The goal is to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged.

A good rule of thumb is to provide about one inch of water per week, either from rain or your hose. Check the soil by sticking your finger a couple of inches down. If it feels dry, it’s time for a deep, slow watering session right at the base of the tree.

The Magic of Mulch

Mulching is one of the best things you can do for your new tree. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch (like wood chips or shredded bark) in a wide circle around the base of the tree.

Be sure to leave a few inches of space right around the trunk—piling mulch against the bark can trap moisture and invite disease. We call this a “mulch donut,” not a “mulch volcano”!

Fertilizing Facts

Hold off on the fertilizer for the first year. Right now, you want the tree to focus all its energy on developing a strong root system, not on producing new top growth. After the first year, a slow-release fertilizer formulated for evergreens can be applied in the spring if needed.

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Troubleshooting Common Problems with Bare Root Evergreen Trees

Even with the best care, you might run into a few bumps. Don’t worry! Here are some solutions to the most common problems with bare root evergreen trees.

Problem: My tree isn’t showing any new growth!
Patience is key. Bare root trees can experience “transplant shock” and may take a few weeks, or even a full season, to wake up and show visible growth. The energy is all going into the roots. You can perform a “scratch test”—gently scratch a tiny bit of bark on a branch with your fingernail. If it’s green underneath, the tree is alive and well.

Problem: The needles are turning brown.
This is almost always a watering issue. Brown needles at the tips can indicate underwatering, while an overall yellowing or browning can be a sign of overwatering and root rot. Re-evaluate your watering schedule and check the soil moisture before watering.

Problem: My tree seems wobbly or is leaning.
This can happen as the soil settles after watering. Gently firm the soil around the base of the tree. In most cases, staking is not necessary and can actually hinder the development of a strong trunk. Only consider staking if you are in an extremely windy location.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bare Root Evergreen Trees

Can I really plant an evergreen without any soil on its roots?

Absolutely! The key is that the tree must be dormant and you must keep the roots constantly moist from the moment it’s unboxed until it’s in the ground. This method encourages the roots to quickly adapt to your garden’s specific soil conditions.

What are the best types of evergreens to buy bare root?

Many popular evergreens do wonderfully when planted bare root, especially as young seedlings or transplants. Pines (like White Pine), Spruces (like Norway Spruce), and Firs are very common. Arborvitae is also a popular choice for creating privacy screens.

How long can I store my bare root trees before planting?

The ideal answer is zero days—plant them as soon as possible. However, if you must wait, you can store them for a few days by “heeling them in” (temporarily burying the roots in moist soil in a shady spot) or by keeping the roots wrapped in moist material in a cool, dark place like a garage.

My bare root tree arrived and the roots look dry. Is it dead?

Not necessarily! Give it a chance. Immediately place the roots in a bucket of water for a few hours (no more than 6-8) before planting. This can often rehydrate them. Give the tree the full season to recover; you might be surprised by its resilience.

Go Forth and Grow!

You are now equipped with all the bare root evergreen trees tips you need to plant with confidence. By choosing this method, you’re not just saving money—you’re making a sustainable choice that gives your trees the best possible foundation for a long, healthy life.

Remember the most important rule: keep those roots moist! With a little bit of care and patience, you’ll soon be watching your tiny, sleeping giants transform your garden into the year-round green oasis you’ve always wanted.

Happy planting!

Rimon Chowdhury
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