How to Plant a Bare Root Tree

This step-by-step guide covers how to correctly plant a bare root tree into the ground, including how to install a single stake & tie. This guide is aimed specifically at single stem bare root trees up to 250cm in height. You can watch the video version of this guide below.

A bare root tree is a tree that has been lifted out of the ground during its non-growing season and is supplied without a pot or soil.

Bare root trees can only be planted during their dormant season, which is normally between November and March, provided the ground is not frozen. They may look a bit sparse when you first receive them, but they will establish quickly and grow into beautiful trees, provided they are planted correctly.

If you can't plant your bare root tree out straight away, we recommend heeling it in some soil to protect the roots from drying out. Learn more by reading our other guide on How to Heel in a Bare Root Tree.

Equipment List

• Spade & trowel
• Compost & a large container such as a wheelbarrow (for mixing compost)
• Rootgrow (optional but recommended)
• Single stake & tie (if your tree has a single stem)
• Lump hammer 
• Large bucket of water (for soaking tree roots)
• Bamboo cane (optional)

Step 1: Prepare the planting site

Prepare the site by removing all weeds and grass, ideally within a metre of your desired planting hole. Dig a hole the same depth as the roots of the tree, and wide enough to easily accommodate the overall size of the roots. Digging a square-shaped hole encourages roots to grow straighter and extend out of the planting hole.

The graft union or collar of the tree should be above ground level once the tree is placed in the hole. Planting too deeply is one of the main causes of failure in bare root trees, so it’s important to make sure your planting hole is the right depth. A quick and easy way to check this is by temporarily placing your tree in the hole, and then laying a bamboo cane over the top of the hole, as pictured. The graft union should be just above the level of the bamboo cane. Add or remove soil in the bottom of the hole if necessary.

Loosen the soil in the bottom of the hole, then sprinkle some Rootgrow to help the tree to grow strong and healthy roots.

Step 2: Install your stake

Next, install your stake, if your tree has a single stem, directing the pointed end towards the bottom edge of the planting hole, as pictured. Place the stake upwind of the tree so that the tree will blow away from the stake, at a 45 degree angle. For trees up to 2.5 metres in height, use a medium-sized single stake. We don't recommend staking bushes or multi-stem trees.

Using a lump hammer, knock it in until it is firm and stands upright on its own, until about 1/3 of the stake is underground.

Step 3: Soak the tree's roots, place the tree in the hole, and backfill

Before planting, soak the tree roots in a large bucket of tepid water, submerging them entirely, for about half an hour to give them a good drink. Then, place the tree in the hole, adjacent to the stake.

Using a large container such as a wheelbarrow, mix some of the soil from the planting hole with an equal proportion of planting (or homemade) compost, and use the mix to refill around the tree and stake. You may need to hold the tree upright while you do this. As you backfill, give the trunk a gentle shake to remove any air pockets and to help the soil fill the gaps and crevices between the roots.

Take care not to bank the soil up over the collar or graft union of the tree as this can cause rotting. Gently press the soil to firm it.

Step 4: Water the tree

Water directly at the base of a tree. A tree planted in dry or warm weather will need a generous soaking. In winter, or if the soil is moist, less water will be needed.

Before watering, you can apply an After Plant Fertiliser around the base of the tree to aid nutrient uptake – this is an optional step but is particularly beneficial in new build gardens or anywhere with poor soil quality.

You can also apply a layer of organic mulch at this stage, about 2 to 3 inches deep, to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.

Step 5: Attach the tree tie

Tie the tree firmly to the stake using a tree tie, firm enough to support it but not so tight as to restrict the tree’s growth. We recommend using a buckle tie with a spacer as this can be adjusted as required as the tree grows in size. The spacer prevents rubbing by allowing some space between the stake and the tree.

Step 6: After planting

If planting in dry weather, water well in the first week. A tree planted in autumn should only require a little watering. Most dormant trees won't need watering over winter, apart from evergreen trees which may require occasional winter watering in particularly dry spells. In spring and summer, continue to water well and regularly as required. Learn more about good watering practice by reading our guide on How to Water Trees Correctly.

Keep the planting area free of competing weeds, grass and other plants for the first couple of growing seasons. Keep the stake in place for approximately 12-18 months, after which time it can be removed (provided the tree has established well).