How to Plant Bare Root Trees
Step by Step
 1. Unpack your trees, remove all packing materials, carefully untangle the roots and soak the roots in water 3 to 6 hours. Do not allow the roots to dry out.
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 2. Dig a hole, wider than seems necessary, so the roots can grow outward without crowding. Remove any grass within a 3-foot circular area. To aid root growth, turn soil in an area up to 3 feet in diameter.
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 3. Plant the tree at the same depth it stood in the nursery, with plenty of room for the roots. Partially fill the hole, firming the soil around the lower roots. You can decide to add soil amendments such as peat or bark but this not necessary in all situations.
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 4. Shovel in the remaining soil. It should be firmly but not tightly packed. Construct a water-holding basin around the tree. Give the tree plenty of water.
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 5. After the water has soaked in, spread protective mulch two inches deep in a 3-foot diameter area around the base of the tree, but not touching the trunk.
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 6. The soil and mulch around your trees should be kept moist but not soggy. During dry weather, generously water the tree every 7 to 10 days during the first year. Water slowly at the dripline
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Tip: Heel in.
If you cannot plant your bare root plants immediately leave them in the original packaging and store them in a cool place away from sunlight. If planting is going to be delayed by more than a week to 10 days, you can dig a trench in garden soil or sawdust. Remove plants from packaging and place roots into trench. Back fill soil or sawdust around roots and water well. Keep them watered and they will hold until you are ready to plant. Preferably while plants are still dormant.
If you cannot plant your bare root plants immediately leave them in the original packaging and store them in a cool place away from sunlight. If planting is going to be delayed by more than a week to 10 days, you can dig a trench in garden soil or sawdust. Remove plants from packaging and place roots into trench. Back fill soil or sawdust around roots and water well. Keep them watered and they will hold until you are ready to plant. Preferably while plants are still dormant.
