BARE PLANT

HOW TO CARE BARE PLANT:

GROWING:
you have to pay for with patience! It can take up to six weeks for a bare root tree to put out its first flush of leaves. So, if you planted in early spring, expect to see the first signs of growth by summer.

WATERING:
Keep the weeds away and make sure the roots have enough water. Watering heavily every few days in a dry spring is much better than watering a little every day. Once the ground is soaked, it stays moist for weeks at a time.

Aftercare

• Remember that bare root plants will stay in their dormant phase until April and you won’t see any signs of growth above ground until this time.

• It’s important new plants don’t have to compete for water and nutrients, so keep the planting area clear of weeds, particularly during the first 2-3 years of establishment by hoeing, using a mulching mat or systemic weed killers.

• Watch out for slugs and snails in the spring, particularly during wet weather. Use crushed egg shells or wildlife friendly slug repellent if necessary to protect your plants.

• In windy locations, trees and top-heavy shrubs may be “rocked” by the wind, opening air pockets close to the roots which are vulnerable to frost and drying winds. Check your plants after windy weather and firm back in if required. Ideally shelter evergreens from drying winds during their first season using windbreak netting.

• An annual mulch or feed of slow release fertiliser can be helpful to maintain vigour and encourage flowering plants to shine come blooming time, particularly for closely planted bare root hedging that’s competing for nutrients. However, avoid applying a fertiliser containing phosphorus during the first growing season if you’ve applied Rootgrow/mycorrhizal planting powder to the roots at planting time as the phosphorus can suppress the fungus.

• Check tree ties in May and September and loosen if required to prevent the stem from becoming constricted. Stakes can be removed after 2 growing seasons as the roots will have established sufficiently to anchor the tree after this time.