A Gift That Grows: Planting & Caring for Your Bare-Root Tree

From strong roots, something extraordinary grows.

A tree is a gift unlike any other. Planted today, it will grow with the passing years, change with the seasons and become part of the living landscape around it. As its roots grow deeper and its branches reach higher, it becomes a lasting reminder of a special occasion, a thoughtful gesture or someone dear.

Whether given to celebrate a birthday, wedding, anniversary, new home or simply to bring a little more nature into someone's life, a tree is a gift that continues to give, long after the occasion has passed.

At The Pavilion, we've introduced a collection of bare-root trees for gifting, each presented with a botanical gift label and planting guidance.

And while a bare-root tree might look rather modest when first received, with a little care and the right start, it has the potential to become something quite extraordinary.

In this guide, we'll take you through everything you need to know about planting and caring for your tree, from protecting its roots before planting to helping it establish in its new home.

What is a bare-root tree?

Bare-root trees are grown in open ground and lifted during their dormant season, generally between November and March.

Unlike container-grown trees, they are supplied without a pot or a substantial amount of soil around their roots.

Although they may appear rather bare during the Winter months, this is entirely natural. The tree is dormant, ready to begin growing again as Spring approaches.

Bare-root trees are generally more economical than their container-grown equivalents, require less packaging and can establish successfully when planted and cared for correctly.

How to plant your bare-root tree

1. Choose the right location

Consider the tree's eventual size, rather than how it looks when you first bring it home.

Allow enough space for its mature height and spread, taking account of nearby buildings, boundaries and other plants.

Some trees prefer an open, sunny position, while others tolerate partial shade. Drainage and exposure to wind are also important.

If you need any advice, our horticultural team can help you select a suitable variety for your garden.

2. Prepare the planting area

Remove grass and weeds from the immediate planting area to reduce competition for water and nutrients.

Dig a hole approximately two to three times the width of the root system, making sure there is enough room for the roots to spread naturally.

The hole should be no deeper than necessary to accommodate the roots at the correct planting level.

Gently loosen compacted soil around the sides of the hole to encourage roots to grow outwards.

In most ordinary garden soils, there's no need to add fertiliser or large amounts of compost to the planting hole. Using the original soil helps the roots establish in the surrounding ground.

3. Position your tree correctly

Look carefully at the base of the trunk, where it widens and the main roots begin. This is known as the root flare.

Position the tree so that the root flare sits at approximately ground level, with the roots covered by soil.

Avoid burying the trunk too deeply, as this can cause problems with the tree's long-term health.

Spread the roots gently within the planting hole, ensuring they aren't sharply bent, twisted or crowded together.

4. Backfill and water

Replace the excavated soil around the roots, working it carefully into the spaces between them.

Firm gently as you go to remove large air pockets, but avoid pressing the soil down too heavily.

Once planted, water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.

Even if the ground feels damp, this first watering is an important part of the planting process.

5. Mulch and protect

Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as composted bark or woodchip, approximately 5–8cm deep around the base of the tree.

This helps retain moisture, reduce weed growth and protect the soil.

Leave a clear space immediately around the trunk to prevent moisture building up against the bark.

Depending on the size of your tree and its location, staking may be necessary. A suitable stake and flexible tie can provide support while the roots establish.

Caring for your tree in its first two years

The first two growing seasons are especially important for establishing a healthy root system.

Watering: Water thoroughly during dry spells, particularly in Spring and Summer. Check the moisture beneath the soil surface and avoid keeping the ground constantly saturated.

Weed control: Keep the area around the trunk free from grass and weeds, which compete for moisture and nutrients.

Mulching: Maintain a layer of mulch, topping it up when necessary and keeping it away from the trunk.

Staking: Check tree ties regularly to ensure they aren't rubbing against or restricting the trunk. Remove stakes when they're no longer needed.

Pruning: Most newly planted trees need little immediate pruning beyond removing damaged or dead growth. More extensive pruning should be appropriate to the species and its stage of development.

Patience is important. Some trees begin growing vigorously in their first Spring, while others devote more energy to establishing their roots before producing substantial new growth.

When is the best time to plant?

In Ireland, the bare-root planting season generally runs from November through March, depending on weather conditions and the species.

Planting during dormancy gives the tree an opportunity to begin establishing its roots before the demands of spring growth.

The most important consideration is the condition of the soil. Avoid planting when the ground is frozen or waterlogged, and choose a day when the soil is workable.

If you've purchased or received a bare-root tree, aim to plant it as soon as reasonably possible.

What if you can't plant your tree straight away?

This is particularly important if you've received a tree as a gift.

Bare roots are vulnerable to drying out, so they should never be left exposed to wind, sunshine or prolonged periods of dry air.

If you're unable to plant immediately:

Keep the roots wrapped in a moist material and store the tree somewhere cool and sheltered.
Avoid keeping it in a warm room or beside a radiator.
For longer delays, temporarily plant the roots in a container of moist soil or heel in the tree outdoors, covering the roots completely with soil in a sheltered position.
Protect the roots from severe frost and check regularly that they remain moist.

When you're ready to plant, soak the roots in water for approximately 30 minutes to an hour. Avoid leaving them submerged for prolonged periods.

Growing for the future

Planting a tree is a small act with a long future.

With the right position, a little preparation and care during its early years, a young tree can develop into an established feature of the garden, changing with the seasons and becoming part of the landscape around it.

Whether planted for yourself or given to someone special, it's something to enjoy today and look forward to in the years ahead.