Caring for Dormant Plants

 

Caring for your dormant plants you received from our nursery:

Your plant is dormant for the winter, and will begin to wake up if introduced to a warm environment.

Keep the plant cool in a fridge, shed, or cellar until you plant it. The ideal temperature range for this stage is: 32F - 42F.

The roots have been packed with a moist medium that keeps the roots from drying out; keep this medium moist until you plant.

The ideal planting time of bare-root trees or shrubs is during the dormant season, late fall through early spring, when the soil is workable and not frozen.

1. Soak the roots in tepid water for 15 – 30 minutes before planting, not much longer. This step is optional.

2. Dig a hole that accommodates the existing root system, plus some room to grow.

3. Spread out the dormant tree's roots to encourage outward growth.

4. Refill the hole with the native soil you removed. Place compost or amendments further out around the hole to amend the soil beyond the root system and further encourage outward growth. Take caution to not over-fertilize, which may harm the roots.

5. Gently tamp out any air pockets from the soil once the planting hole is filled.

6. Thoroughly water.

7. Mulch around the plant, but leave a few inches of breathing room around the trunk to avoid dampness issues.

8. For the first year, be sure the new establishments are adequately watered.

Happy Growing Attentiveness is the best care. We hope you enjoy these plants for years to come.