Planting a bare root tree is a fun and economical way to have green and lush plants within your land, avoiding the too high cost of sod plants. While it is not difficult, it is important to consider some particular indications for successful planting. By following these simple steps, in no time you will become an expert gardener.
Steps
Step 1. Carefully unpack the bare root tree from the container or material it is wrapped in
Be careful not to damage the roots when doing this. If you ruin some, shorten them using a pair of sterilized garden shears.
Step 2. Place the tree in a bucket full of water
Leave it soaking for 4-6 hours before planting it. This will allow the roots to absorb water and not dehydrate due to the initial trauma associated with the implant.
Step 3. Dig a hole slightly larger than the diameter of the tree and the depth it should be planted, but also the width of the soil occupied by the roots
For example, if the roots of the tree and the surrounding soil are 50 cm wide, dig a hole 60 cm wide so that the root system has enough space to spread.
Step 4. Check that there are no large weed roots in the hole you dug
If you leave them in place, they will compete with the tree and risk limiting its growth. Add organic material and mix it thoroughly. It will facilitate the start of good growth.
Step 5. Bury the tree until the roots join the base of the plant
This point is called the "collar" and should be placed in line with the ground surface. If you put soil around the trunk, above the root system, the tree risks falling prematurely as it grows.
Step 6. With the shovel aggregate the earth left in the container
Add more as needed, taking care to firmly compact the soil around the tree.
Step 7. Create a basin of water around the outside of the tree
Wet it abundantly.
Step 8. Prepare a 1 meter wide and 5 cm deep mulch cover around the base of the tree
Be careful not to let the mulch touch the plant. Leave a space of about 10-20 cm around the trunk of the tree. By doing this, you will give it a chance to breathe and you will have a point from which you can check the base for any problems or damage caused by insects.
Step 9. Water the tree repeatedly
Water it every two weeks during its first summer. If you are experiencing a period of severe and prolonged drought, find time to water the young tree approximately every 2 weeks during the winter. Trees get over-stressed in this type of weather and need more moisture to survive and thrive.
Step 10. Support the larger trees with poles
If the tree is large enough, it will need to be supported for a year. Drive a 1m-long pole into the ground before planting the tree, tilting it 45 degrees for 3/4 of its length in a position where the top comes close over where the tree will be planted. Then tie it to the tree trunk with a rubber string.
Step 11. Remove the support post after one year
After one year, the tree should have developed quite strong roots, so the pole could hinder the next growth phase of the plant. Untie it from the tree and saw it at ground level. Be careful not to accidentally damage the tree with the saw.