Bare Rooted Trees: Better for Your Garden, Better for the Planet

Looking for a smarter, more sustainable way to plant trees this winter? Bare rooted trees might be your best option. They arrive without soil or plastic pots, just roots ready for the ground. Here’s why they work, and how to make them thrive in your garden.

The Traditional Way That Works Better

Bare rooted trees are grown the old-fashioned way - directly in the ground. Come winter, while the tree is dormant, they’re gently lifted and sold with their roots exposed. No plastic, no potting mix, no unnecessary waste.

Because they're not grown in containers, their roots aren’t circling or cramped. Once planted, they can spread freely into the surrounding soil. That gives your tree a stronger, more stable start.

Why Winter Planting Is Best

Winter is the ideal time to plant bare rooted trees. The cooler temperatures reduce transplant shock. And since the tree isn’t using energy on leaves or fruit, it focuses entirely on root growth.

This head start underground means by the time spring arrives, your tree is ready to burst into life.

Less Waste, Less Fuss

With no plastic pots or excess packaging, bare rooted trees come with a smaller environmental footprint. They’re easier to transport, easier to plant, and often more affordable too.

It’s a practical, proven method: better for the plant, better for the planet.

Where Bare Rooted Trees Shine in the Garden

Use bare rooted trees in these roles:

• Feature trees: Plant ornamental or fruiting varieties as long-term focal points.
   

• Shelter belts: Line them up for wind protection or privacy. Bare rooted stock makes mass planting more cost-effective.
   

• Orchards: Winter is the time to start your edible garden. Apples, pears, plums - bare rooted options are widely available.
   

• Restoration planting: Reforest or revegetate with natives, faster and cheaper per plant.

Action Checklist

1. Pick your spot now: Choose full sun and well-drained soil.
    

2. Order bare rooted trees: Available from late autumn to early winter.
    

3. Plant promptly on arrival: Soak roots in a bucket of water for 1-2 hours first.
    

4. Dig a wide, shallow hole: Spread roots out naturally, not down or twisted.
    

5. Water deeply and mulch: Keep mulch clear of the trunk to prevent rot.

Ready to get planting? Explore our bare rooted range and talk to our team - let’s get your garden growing the right way this winter.

https://www.theplantstore.co.nz/products/bareroot-trees/