LeeAnn Barton

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One of the first things you see in catalogs and nurseries in spring is fruit trees. In many climates, fruit trees and berries are sold bareroot—without a container or soil. Inexperienced gardeners or first time fruit growers may wonder at the wisdom of purchasing a naked tree. Laying down hard-earned money for no leaves, no new roots, just a colorful picture tag and a promise is a giant step of faith.

The logic behind the practice is sound. Trees store the energy to break out of dormancy in their roots. Well-grown trees that are sold bareroot are fully dormant before the grower digs them in late fall. They are protected from hard freezes and steps are taken to prevent the roots from drying out during storage and shipment.

With the worst of the winter behind us it is safe to plant trees—fruit or shade—in your yard now.

Here are a few tips when selecting a tree:

• Ask questions and do a little research concerning bloom time, ultimate tree size and what type of rootstock supports the graft. All of these will help you determine the correct placement and care of the tree.
 
• When selecting a tree, look for any obvious wounds to the main trunk. Scarring may be due to rough handling but may also be a sign of disease. Check that wounds have healed properly by seeing if the wood below and around the scar is soft or hard. If you can easily push your finger nail into it be wary.
 
• Look for a graft that has sealed firmly on all sides. An angled graft is ideal as it sheds water and debris easily.
 
• Finally, check the branching. This is the least important as it is the easiest to work with after planting. Keep in mind (especially with fruit trees) if you want to maintain a smaller tree, look for strong, low branches. Bareroot shade trees often come in “whips”—one main trunk with no branches. Do not be discouraged, whips catch up and often surpass a branched bareroot tree within two years. Stake a whip to insure the tree gets off to a straight start.
 
• Above all, protect your purchase by not letting the roots dry out! Wrap the roots in plastic to transport the tree home, but plant the tree when you get it home!
 

Instructions for planting your tree are available in the Backyard Orchard Guide.