Planting bare root trees is one of the most rewarding ways to build a landscape that’s both beautiful and functional. Whether you’re restoring a habitat, improving your property’s tree line, or simply trying something new in your backyard, those little leafless sticks you planted have a big job ahead of them.
But their success depends a lot on what happens in their first year. At Cold Stream Farm, we want to help you get it right—because a little care early on can set your trees up for decades of healthy growth.
Before You Plant: Prep Makes All the Difference
Bare root trees don’t come in pots or with soil around their roots, which makes them easier to ship and more affordable. But it also means they’re a little more delicate when they arrive. Make sure you’ve already picked a good spot for them—sunlight, drainage, and room to grow are all key. Clear out any grass or weeds where you’re going to plant and dig your holes ahead of time so you’re ready to go when your shipment arrives.
If you can’t plant them right away, store the roots in a cool, shady place and keep them moist (not soaked). A quick soak—four to six hours max—before planting helps rehydrate the roots if they’ve dried out during transit.
Planting Bare Root Trees the Right Way
When planting time comes, the goal is to treat those roots gently and make sure they’re well supported in their new home.
Here’s what you’ll want to do:
- Plant at the right depth – Look for the spot on the trunk where the bark changes color or texture—that’s your planting depth.
- Spread the roots – Don’t jam them into the hole. Fan them out gently so they’re not crowded or bent.
- Backfill with care – Use the soil you dug out, tamping it down gently around the roots as you go.
- Water deeply right away – This settles the soil and helps the roots make contact with moisture.
And if you’re in a windy spot or planting a taller tree, a stake or two can give it the extra support it needs until the roots take hold.
Watering: Probably the Most Important Thing You’ll Do
The biggest mistake people make with bare root trees: Not watering them enough—especially in the beginning.
- First month: Water every few days, especially if it’s warm or dry.
- Next two months: Once a week is usually fine unless it’s really hot.
- Remainder of the first year: Water during dry spells or heatwaves. Deep soakings are better than frequent sprinkles.
You want the water to reach the roots, so let the hose run low and slow or use a soaker hose if you’re planting multiple trees.
Mulch Is Your Friend (But Keep It Off the Trunk)
Mulching is a great way to protect young trees. A layer of mulch helps keep the soil moist, blocks out weeds, and keeps roots cool. Just make sure the mulch doesn’t touch the trunk—leave a few inches of space around it to avoid rot and pest issues.
Watch for Pests, Animals, and Other Trouble
Your young trees are a tasty snack for deer, rabbits, and sometimes even rodents. Tree guards or fencing can help if wildlife pressure is high in your area.
Also, keep an eye out for:
- Insect damage
- Leaf spots or fungal issues
- Weeds or grass creeping in
Regular check-ins (even just once a week) can help you catch problems early before they get serious.
Skip the Fertilizer for Now
It might seem like a good idea to give your new tree a boost with fertilizer—but that can do more harm than good in the first year. What your tree needs most is strong root development, not rapid top growth. Save the fertilizer for next year, once the tree is more established.
By Year’s End: What Success Looks Like
By the time fall rolls around, here’s what a successful first year looks like:
- You see signs of new growth—leaves, buds, or shoots
- The tree is standing strong and showing no signs of stress
- The roots have had time to settle in and begin supporting above-ground growth
It doesn’t need to grow fast—it just needs to grow healthy.
Trust Cold Stream Farm for Quality Bare Root Trees
We’ve been helping landowners, conservationists, and property managers grow healthy trees for more than 40 years. If you’re not sure what to plant or how to care for it, we’re always happy to help.
Look at our full selection of bare root trees and shrubs, and let us know how we can support your next planting project. Contact Cold Stream Farm at (231) 464-5809 today or visit us online for more information!
