Bare-root season: what it is and why it’s the best time to plant
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Bare-root plants are grown in the field and lifted while dormant, usually between November and March. They are great value, establish quickly and come with no pot or compost at all.
What does bare root mean?
Bare-root plants are grown in open ground, then lifted in winter while they are dormant and sold without soil or a pot. Hedging, young trees and roses are often sold this way.
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Why plant bare root?
The first reason is value. Without pots or compost, bare-root plants cost less, which makes a real difference across a long hedge. The second is establishment: planted while dormant, the roots settle into cool, moist winter soil before spring growth begins. The third is sustainability. There are no plastic pots and no compost, so no peat either, because field-grown plants are lifted from the soil they grew in.
When is bare-root season?
Bare-root season runs roughly from November to March, depending on the weather, and you can plant whenever the ground is not frozen or waterlogged. If you cannot plant straight away, keep the roots damp and covered, or heel the plants into a temporary trench until you are ready.
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Suggested photograph: what can you plant bare root?
What can you plant bare root?
Many of our hedging lines are available bare root, including beech, hornbeam, field maple and mixed native hedging, along with young trees. Larger specimens and evergreens such as yew are usually root-balled instead, which means they are lifted with their soil in a wrapped ball.
Planting tips
Soak the roots for an hour before planting, then plant at the same depth the plant grew, firm gently and water well. Our guide to planting a hedge covers spacing and aftercare.
Plan your bare-root order
Tell us your hedge length and soil, and our team will recommend plants, sizes and quantities.