Bare root trees have excellent success rates — when planted correctly. Most failures come from a handful of avoidable mistakes. Here’s how to avoid them and set your trees up for long-term success.

Mistake #1 — Letting Roots Dry Out

Bare root trees must stay moist before planting.

Avoid it by:

Keeping roots wrapped and shaded

Planting immediately upon delivery

Never exposing roots to sun or wind

Mistake #2 — Planting Too Deep

Planting too deep suffocates roots and invites rot.

Correct method:

Keep the root flare at ground level

Dig wide, not deep

Mistake #3 — Over-Amending the Soil

Rich backfill can trap roots and slow establishment.

Best practice:

Backfill with native soil

Let roots adapt naturally

Mistake #4 — Inconsistent Watering

Too much or too little water both cause problems.

Solution:

Follow a structured watering schedule

Adjust for weather and soil conditions

Mistake #5 — Expecting Instant Growth

Bare root trees focus on roots first.

Remember: Strong roots now mean better growth later.

Avoid costly mistakes by planting bare root trees the right way with stock from BigBareRootTrees.com.