Plant Bare-Root Shrubs and Trees in November: Tips and Advice for Successful Establishment

Planting bare-root shrubs and trees in November is a great way to give your garden a head start for the growing season. Bare-root plants are dug up and sold without soil around their roots, making them lighter, easier to handle, and often more affordable than potted plants. November is the ideal time for planting bare-root shrubs and trees, as the soil is still workable and the plants are dormant, allowing them to establish strong root systems over winter. In this guide, we’ll provide tips on how to plant bare-root shrubs and trees in November to ensure they thrive in the spring.

Why Plant Bare-Root Shrubs and Trees in November?

Bare-root shrubs and trees are best planted during their dormant season, which typically runs from late autumn through early spring. Planting in November allows the roots to settle into the soil before the ground freezes, giving them time to start establishing themselves. By spring, the plants will be ready to put out new growth. Bare-root plants are often stronger and more adaptable than container-grown plants, and planting them in November ensures they have plenty of time to grow healthy roots before the warmer weather encourages top growth.

Step-by-Step Guide to Planting Bare-Root Shrubs and Trees in November

Choose Healthy Bare-Root Plants:

Select Fresh, Healthy Plants: When choosing bare-root shrubs and trees, make sure the plants are healthy, with firm, undamaged roots and stems. Avoid plants with dry, shriveled, or moldy roots.
Soak the Roots Before Planting: Before planting, soak the roots of the bare-root plant in a bucket of water for 1-2 hours. This helps rehydrate the roots and prepares them for planting. Avoid soaking for more than 12 hours, as this can damage the roots.

Prepare the Planting Site:

Choose the Right Location: Select a location that suits the plant’s sunlight and soil needs. Most shrubs and trees prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Make sure the planting site has enough space for the plant’s mature size.
Loosen the Soil: Dig a hole that is wide and deep enough to accommodate the plant’s roots without crowding. A good rule of thumb is to dig a hole about twice the width of the root system and the same depth as the roots. Loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole to encourage root growth.

Plant at the Correct Depth:

Position the Plant Correctly: Place the bare-root shrub or tree in the hole so that the root collar (where the roots meet the trunk) is level with the soil surface. Avoid planting the plant too deeply, as this can cause the roots to suffocate or rot.
Spread the Roots: Gently spread the roots out in the planting hole, making sure they are not twisted or bent. This encourages healthy root growth and helps the plant establish itself more quickly.

Backfill and Water:

Backfill with Native Soil: Refill the hole with the soil you dug out, gently firming it around the roots to eliminate air pockets. Avoid compacting the soil too much, as this can restrict root growth.
Water Thoroughly: After planting, water the shrub or tree thoroughly to help settle the soil around the roots and ensure good root-to-soil contact. Continue to water regularly for the first few weeks to help the plant establish itself, but be careful not to overwater.

Mulch Around the Base:

Apply Mulch to Retain Moisture: After planting, apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch, such as bark chips, compost, or shredded leaves, around the base of the shrub or tree. Mulch helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.
Keep Mulch Away from the Trunk: Be sure to keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk or stem of the plant to prevent rot and allow proper air circulation.

Support Young Trees if Necessary:

Stake Trees for Stability: If you are planting a bare-root tree, it may need staking to keep it stable while its roots establish. Use soft ties to attach the tree to a sturdy stake, but allow for some movement to encourage strong root growth.
Remove Stakes After a Year: Stakes should only be left in place for the first growing season. After a year, remove them to allow the tree to grow naturally.

Protect from Frost and Pests:

Use Frost Protection if Necessary: If frost is expected, consider using a frost cloth or horticultural fleece to protect newly planted bare-root shrubs and trees, especially if they are young or vulnerable to frost damage.
Protect from Pests: Guard the base of newly planted trees and shrubs from pests like rabbits or deer, which may chew on the bark. Use tree guards or wire mesh to protect the trunks during winter.

Popular Bare-Root Shrubs and Trees to Plant in November

Roses: Bare-root roses are commonly planted in November, allowing them to establish strong roots before their spring growth.
Fruit Trees: Apples, pears, plums, and cherries are excellent choices for bare-root planting in late autumn. Planting them now ensures they are ready to bloom and fruit in the coming years.
Hawthorn: This hardy shrub or small tree is perfect for hedging and provides wildlife benefits, such as berries for birds.
Hydrangeas: Bare-root hydrangeas are ideal for fall planting, ensuring they establish well and produce beautiful blooms the following summer.
Lilacs: These fragrant shrubs benefit from being planted bare-root in the fall, allowing their roots to grow before their stunning spring blooms.

Benefits of Planting Bare-Root Shrubs and Trees in November

Stronger Root Systems: Planting bare-root shrubs and trees in November allows the roots to settle and establish themselves over winter, resulting in stronger plants come spring.
More Cost-Effective: Bare-root plants are often less expensive than potted plants because they are lighter to transport and easier to handle.
Wide Selection of Plants: Many specialty nurseries offer a broader range of bare-root varieties, including rare or unusual shrubs and trees, providing more options for your garden.
Adaptability: Bare-root plants tend to adapt more quickly to their new environment since they are planted during dormancy and can focus on root development.
Easier to Handle: Bare-root shrubs and trees are lightweight and easier to plant compared to heavy, container-grown plants.

Additional Tips for Planting Bare-Root Shrubs and Trees in November

Water Regularly After Planting: Keep an eye on the soil moisture after planting, especially if the weather is dry. Water regularly until the ground freezes to help the roots establish.
Mark the Location: When planting bare-root shrubs or trees, especially small ones, mark the planting site with stakes or labels to avoid disturbing the plants over the winter.
Space Plants Appropriately: Make sure to plant shrubs and trees with enough space for their mature size. Crowding plants can lead to competition for nutrients and water, stunting growth.
Avoid Fertilizing Immediately: Bare-root plants don’t need fertilizer right after planting. Wait until spring to apply a balanced fertilizer, once the plant starts showing signs of new growth.

Common Questions and Answers

Q1: How deep should I plant bare-root shrubs and trees?
Plant bare-root shrubs and trees so that the root collar (where the trunk meets the roots) is level with the soil surface. Planting too deeply can cause the roots to suffocate or rot.

Q2: Can I plant bare-root trees in the winter?
Bare-root trees can be planted as long as the ground is not frozen. November is an ideal time for planting, but you can also plant during winter in milder climates or on days when the soil is workable.

Q3: Do I need to water bare-root shrubs after planting?
Yes, water bare-root shrubs and trees thoroughly after planting to help settle the soil around the roots. Continue to water regularly until the ground freezes.

Q4: Can I plant bare-root shrubs in pots?
Yes, you can plant bare-root shrubs in pots, provided the container is large enough to accommodate the root system and has good drainage. Make sure to water the plant regularly and protect it from extreme cold.

Q5: Should I fertilize bare-root shrubs and trees when planting them?
It’s best to avoid fertilizing immediately after planting. Fertilizer is not needed during the plant’s dormant phase, and over-fertilizing can harm the roots. Wait until spring to fertilize.