Bare-root plants are trees, shrubs, and wildflower perennials that are transplanted during the dormant season without soil or potting medium. For deciduous species, this means when plants have shed their leaves or have yet to produce new ones in the spring. These plants have had the opportunity to grow extensive root systems and have developed relationships with a diversity of soil microorganisms.

Bare-root plants offer many advantages over container-grown or balled-and-burlapped plants. The main advantage is that the plant’s root system is not constrained or cut away as they are when potted or balled. Many container grown plants exhibit root-circling, where the fine feeder roots are prevented from developing naturally as they grow toward the edges of the container. When transplanting, this condition must be corrected by pruning the plant’s root system, particularly the important feeder roots. This stresses the plant and can inhibit growth for years, if not permanently. Bare-root trees are also generally less stressed during the growing season than container-grown stock. A dark plastic pot is susceptible to significant temperature and moisture swings throughout the year, whereas bare-root plants are transplanted during times of optimum soil moisture and ambient temperatures. Cost and ease of planting relative to potted plants and balled and burlapped trees is another advantage favoring bare-root plants. We also reduce plastic waste, the unnecessary transport of soil, and the disruption of microbial communities when we choose bare-root plants over more traditional nursery offerings.