Trees do better in the garden if you plant them in the ground as bare root plants. We will show you what you need to consider when planting.
Trees cannot only be purchased in planters or with soil balls. There are also bare-root plants that do completely without soil. Such plants bring advantages not only in transport. In order for the plants to grow he althily, however, you have to pay attention to a few things.
Characteristics of bare root plants
Bare-rooted plants lack any soil between the roots. In addition, these plants are leafless. This special form of supply is usually grown in large numbers in the field and pulled out of the ground in autumn with the help of machines. Most are native deciduous trees, roses or hedge plants.
Bare-rooted plants are hard to find in garden centers. A long storage time would be too costly and increase the risk of loss, because bare-root trees should be planted again as soon as possible.
Nurseries offer bare root plants
If you want to buy bare-root plants, you can order them directly from a tree nursery. These special trees are often used for reforestation. But they are also ideal for larger hedges.
The delivery time of the leafless plants is limited to a few weeks per year and can only take place in late autumn after the leaves have fallen, or must be completed with the budding in spring.
Buy and plant bare root plants
Bare rooted plants can only be purchased during the growth pause between October and March. As soon as the desired plants arrive at the recipient, they should be planted.
Tip: Planting can be delayed a little by wrapping the roots in a damp cloth.
The planting of these trees should be completed at the beginning of April. At this point in time, the budding is usually so advanced that growth difficulties are the result. An enormous amount of water is evaporated through the leaves and the plants dry out completely within a very short time.
Prepare planting
The cultivation of bare-root plants is usually doneon arable land. In order for the plants to grow well in the garden soil, the plant and root shoots should be shortened by almost half. This work is often done by the nurseries themselves before shipment. If in doubt, check with the seller.
The soil should be properly prepared before planting. In heavy clay soil, it is difficult for the roots to penetrate the soil. Gravel or sand make the substrate more permeable.
This problem does not exist in sandy soils. The disadvantage here is the low storage capacity of the soil. Water and nutrients are lost correspondingly quickly. Mixing in compost or peat can help improve the soil's storage capacity.
Planting - step by step
1. Find the location2. Prepare the soil
3. Water the plant
4. Dig the planting hole5. Insert the plant
6. Fill up the substrate
7. Press the soil down gently
8. Water the plant sufficiently
The ideal time for planting is a frost-free day with a cloudy sky.
While the soil is being loosened and prepared for planting, the bare-rooted plants are placed in a water bath.
When digging the planting hole, make sure that all the roots are completely surrounded by the substrate. Avoid bending or buckling the roots. Bent or rotten root sections are removed. The plants are washed in well. Watering should not be neglected in the first few weeks after planting.
Tip: Evergreen shrubs also need water in winter. Watering should be done on frost-free days.
Compost or horn shavings can be mixed into the substrate when planting. This natural long-term fertilizer makes it easier for bare-root plants to grow.
Preference is given to planting in autumn. The plants can grow well in their new location before the first frosts. Buying and planting is also possible in early spring. These plants were temporarily stored in the cold store and require a corresponding amount of liquid.
Tip: Treat plants planted in spring to a water bath for at least one hour beforehand.
Cultivate bare root plants
Watering is the most important task after planting bare root plants. It is watered throughout the winter. After planting in autumn, bare-rooted plants no longer receive mineral fertilizer. If no pruning has been carried out, the plants are after thePlanting reduced by about a third.
In the further course, no special rules have to be observed for the cultivation of bare-root plants. The care instructions prescribed for the respective plant species apply.
Differences between bare root plants, root ball plants and container plants
| Offer Form | differences |
|---|---|
| Bare root plants | • Delivery without soil ball • Cheaper than the other forms • Pruning necessary • Limited planting time |
| Bale goods | • Supplied with soil balls, packed in linen • cheaper than container goods • low pruning • long planting period |
| Container goods | • Delivery in a planter • More expensive than the other forms • No pruning when planting • Planting time all year round |
Advantages of bare root plants
Compared to root ball and container plants, bare root plants are…
❍… cheaper
Opting for bare root plants offers a number of advantages. This starts with the purchase, because bare-root plants are cheaper than balled and container plants. Harvesting is quick and easy, and transport is easy and environmentally friendly. Bale and container goods result in a higher transport weight and a correspondingly higher fuel consumption and pollutant exchange.
❍… easier to transport
Roots relieve the hobby gardener in various ways. The transport of container plants to the planting site often resembles a feat of strength, especially when beds or hedges are to be created and a corresponding number of plants are required. Bare-rooted plants can be transported easily and without additional tools.
❍… less complicated when planting
The planting holes must be about twice the size of the root ball. With root ball and container plants, this becomes a strenuous activity, especially if the soil is heavy and dense. If you want to create a hedge and want to plant a lot of plants, you are better off with bare-root plants. These get by with much smaller planting holes.
❍… more frugal and therefore grow better
Container plants are vigorous and well grown. They were raised in a nutrient-rich substrate tailored to their needs. They often do not tolerate being transplanted into conventional garden soil. They hardly form new roots andhave a high moisture requirement. Bare-rooted plants are grateful for the substrate provided and grow much better.
The following plants often grow better with bare roots:
- Deciduous trees (linden, beech, maple, oak, ash)
- Standards
- Half Trunks
- Hedge Plants
- Boxwood
- Pine
- fir tree
- Spruce
Overview of the advantages and disadvantages of bare-root plants
Advantages
✔ inexpensive
✔ easy to transport
✔ little effort when planting
✔ good growth guarantee
Disadvantages
✘ low availability
✘ limited planting period
✘ delayed budding