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Choose a bare-root tree that has a hearty trunk with a diameter from half and inch to five/eight-inch. Roots of the bare-root plant should be strong, unbroken and relatively straight. Avoid plants with roots that are kinked or twisted.
Photo courtesy UC Davis
Photo courtesy UC Davis
After some much-needed rain, the ground has had a nice soaking which makes preparing spaces for planting much easier. Keeping in mind that new plants and trees require additional water the first years of growth, this is a good time to plant bare root fruit trees and vining berries. The local nurseries have a nice variety of trees and vines from which to choose. Here are some tips for selecting and planting bare root trees, from my go-to fruit tree book, “The Home Orchard — Growing Your Own Deciduous Fruit and Nut Trees” by Chuck A Ingels, Pam M. Geisel, and M.V, Norton.