If you’re looking to buy a new tree, including hedging plants and larger shrubs, you will probably find you have three options:

Bare-rooted
Containerised (this is, in a pot)
Root-balled (usually having been root-pruned and wrapped in fabric)

Bare rooted trees and plants are usually cheaper than the other options and provide opportunity to put plants in the ground outside of their growing season, when they will be less distressed. If there is a long winter, bare-root season can be extended to early April, but we’d suggest not leaving it as late as that, so best to plan ahead when planting these type of trees.

When you purchase it, your bare-root plant is likely to be between one and three years old. It should be wrapped in polythene or some other medium to prevent the roots drying out. Select a plant that has an even spread of root growth and which looks fairly well developed.

Your tree or plant will need planting as soon as possible to prevent it drying out and to get it established quickly. If you know you’re not going to have an opportunity to plan it within a few days, we’d recommend waiting before you buy it. Your plant might survive longer if you water it, but you won’t be giving it the best start.

Remove any wrappings from the roots and, if they are knotted or bound up, tease them out. Place the plant in the hole, supporting it at the correct height for the soil level, and refill around it, being careful to ensure you don’t leave air pockets.

If it’s large enough or in an exposed position, think about adding a stake or support while it established itself. If your area is prone to rabbits or deer, think about adding a tree guard too.