Tree Care Essentials
Unpacking Your Trees
Remove the plastic bag and twist tie around the roots, then carefully separate and untangle your trees. Soak the roots in water for 3–6 hours to keep them hydrated. Be careful not to let the roots dry out.
Use the identification sheet to match each tree with its bark ID color and find additional details. Can’t find that sheet? You can download it here.
Your trees will arrive dormant, or asleep. They may look dead, but don’t worry. A tiny scratch in the bark should reveal a living layer of green.
Planting Your Trees
Choose where you want to plant. Think about how large your tree will grow and avoid obstacles like sidewalks and power lines.
Dig a hole wider than seems necessary and as deep as the root collar (where the roots meet the trunk of the tree).
Place your tree in the hole, positioning the roots to grow out, not down. Fill the hole, keeping the root collar at ground level. Don’t use any fertilizer or soil amendments.
Spread mulch in a 3-foot diameter area around the base of the tree without touching the trunk. Think doughnut, not volcano.
Caring for Your Trees
Keep the soil around your trees moist but not soggy. During dry weather, generously water trees every 7 to 10 days during the first year. Water slowly so you don't flood your tree.
Do not use fertilizer, potting soil, or chemicals, as they can harm young trees.
We recommend using a tree shelter or fence (such as chicken wire) if wildlife frequent the area.
Frequently asked questions
All of our bare-root trees are shipped in a dormant state. This means that deciduous trees (those that lose their leaves every year) will generally be leafless. If you’re not sure whether your dormant tree is still alive, a tiny scratch in the bark will put your mind at ease. This will reveal a living layer of green — a sure sign your tree is very much alive.
The trees you received are bare-root trees. They are shipped when dormant without soil around their roots. To keep the trees hydrated during shipping, the roots are coated in a hydrating gel. Bare-root trees are easier to plant at the correct depth, and their roots re-establish quickly once planted, meaning growth will begin quickly.
Please rest assured that your trees have been shipped to you at the right time for planting bare-root trees in your hardiness zone. Yes, sometimes that means December. As long as you can get a spade into the ground, you can plant your trees. See more information about fall planting.
Still have questions?
If you need additional support, please reach out to us through our Contact Form or call toll free: 888-448-7337.