the beauty of bare root

By Molbak's staff
For the Woodinville Weekly

One of the most beautiful things about early spring planting comes in a rather plain package. Actually, it comes in no package at all. We're talking about bare root trees and shrubs. These dormant deciduous trees look like a root with a stick attached and typically show up in Northwest nurseries in January and February. They arrive without pot or soil - just naked roots, ready to plant.

Molbak's Sales Manager, Matt Porter, has watched bare root varieties become increasingly popular with gardeners, and says the trend makes perfect sense. Bare root trees and shrubs offer numerous advantages.

All the bare root plants Molbak's sells are grown just north of Seattle in Mount Vernon, Washington. "Our bare root offerings are designed to thrive in the Pacific Northwest, and that's important," Porter explains. "With help from the WSU-Mount Vernon Research Center, our supplier grows varieties that are disease-resistant and well-adapted to northwestern Washington's mild marine climate."

Bare root trees are an environmentally friendly, cost-effective option. Since there's no pot or soil, there's no waste created, and they're lighter weight, so less gas is required to transport them from the farm to the nursery. This usually translates into a lower price, as well.

"The lack of soil also makes bare root trees easier to lift and handle," Porter explains. "Plus, when you transplant a potted tree, you can run into problems with the soil around the root ball not interfacing well with the soil in your garden. Obviously, this isn't an issue with bare root trees and shrubs. They acclimate very well."

If temperatures are above freezing, January and February are ideal times for planting bare root trees and shrubs. There is typically a good selection at area nurseries. (Molbak's bare root offerings include lilacs, hydrangeas, red twig dogwoods, raspberries, blackberries, flowering cherry trees, crabapple trees, just to name a few.) The most important thing to remember is to keep the roots damp and plant before the tree or shrub breaks dormancy.

"If you're not ready to plant immediately, just make sure the roots are well protected," Porter advises. "You can temporarily cover the roots with bark or soil to keep them fresh. That's what we do here at the nursery with sawdust." Then when you're ready to plant, just dig a hole, add compost, surround the roots with soil, and stake the tree so that it's supported but is still allowed some movement.

It's as simple-and beautiful-as that.

For more inspired, earth-friendly ideas on how to make your garden thrive year-round, don't miss the Northwest Flower & Garden Show at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center, February 8-12. Tickets are available now at Molbak's.