Why root-balled trees offer the best value
Photograph coming soon
Suggested lead photograph: why root-balled trees offer the best value
A root-balled tree is grown in the open ground, then lifted with its roots and soil wrapped in hessian during the dormant season. You get a bigger tree for your budget, a naturally developed root system and far less plastic and compost, as long as you plant between late autumn and early spring.
What is a root-balled tree?
Root-balled trees spend their lives growing in fields rather than pots. Once they are dormant, usually from November to March, they are lifted with a solid ball of roots and soil, which is wrapped in hessian and often held with a wire basket. They are then planted out, ideally within a few weeks.
Photograph coming soon
Suggested photograph: root-balled, container-grown or bare-root?
Root-balled, container-grown or bare-root?
| Type | When available | Value | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root-balled | Late autumn to early spring | More tree for your money | Larger specimens, evergreens, hedging and avenues |
| Container-grown | All year | Pay more for flexibility | Planting out of season, or when timing is critical |
| Bare-root | Late autumn to early spring | Most economical | Young trees and hedging whips |
For a full comparison, read field-grown or container-grown trees: which is right for you?
Why they offer the best value
The simplest reason is that you get more tree for your budget. Growing a tree in the field takes less pot, compost, irrigation and handling than growing it in a large container, and that saving is reflected in the price. It is also why large specimens, from multi-stems to pleached screens, are often most affordable as root-balled trees, giving you big impact from day one.
The value goes beyond price. Field-grown roots spread outwards as they would in your garden, rather than circling inside a pot, so the tree arrives with a natural, healthy root system. And because it comes in hessian and soil rather than a large plastic pot and potting compost, a root-balled tree is a lighter-footprint choice, with less plastic and no bagged compost.
Photograph coming soon
Suggested photograph: the one catch: timing
Planning around the season
Root-balled trees can only be lifted and planted while dormant, so they reward a little planning. If you are designing a garden for this winter, now is the time to talk to us. It is one of many reasons that autumn is the best time to plant.
How to plant a root-balled tree
Planting is straightforward, and the key is to keep the tree at the right height and well watered while it settles in.
Dig a square hole about twice the width of the root ball and no deeper than it.
Set the tree so the top of the root ball sits level with, or slightly above, the surrounding soil.
Loosen and fold back the hessian from the top of the ball, leaving the rest to rot down.
Backfill, firm gently, stake or anchor the root ball, and water thoroughly.
Mulch, and keep watering through the first two summers.
Our step-by-step guide to planting a multi-stem tree goes into more detail.
Choosing your tree
Browse our trees and multi-stem trees, then come and see them at our Row Town showroom. Stock changes through the season, so do get in touch before you visit and we will check what is available.