PLANTING
If you’re interested in having a tree planted, please note that we place our orders in the winter through a nursery that offers a diverse selection of trees. We receive them in early spring—primarily as bare-root stock—and temporarily hold them in our gravel bed throughout the summer. We generally plant the trees in early autumn, which offers 2 key advantages.
First, it gives the trees time to develop fine roots while in the gravel bed, which help the tree establish itself once planted. Second, waiting until fall to plant the trees reduces the demand for constant watering and the stress on the tree during the hot, dry summer months.
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When we plant trees, we ensure the roots are healthy and spread out correctly to prevent girdling roots later in the tree's life. We also mulch, stake, and offer a 1 year warranty on the health of the tree (provided clients follow care guidelines).
Smaller trees (usually conifers) do not require staking; instead, we put a cage around them to maintain their upright habit and help protect them from deer.
Bare-rooted tree received in the spring, ready to be placed in our gravel bed.
Tree ready for planting after a few months in the gravel. Look at all those fine roots!
Planting Time!
The foundation of a healthy tree starts with how it's planted. We buy and plant bare rooted trees, but trees are most commonly purchased in one of three forms: bare root, container-grown, or balled and burlapped (B&B).
BARE ROOTED
Bare root trees are exactly what they sound like—trees with their root systems exposed, free of any soil.
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Pros: easier transportation, typically lower cost, and the ability to inspect the roots directly, allowing you to assess their health and structure before planting.
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Cons: vulnerability of the exposed roots. Without soil to protect them, the roots can quickly dry out and die if not kept moist. Additionally, bare root trees often have fewer fine, fibrous roots—these delicate roots are essential for absorbing water and nutrients but are easily damaged or lost when soil is removed during preparation.
CONTAINER GROWN
Container-grown trees are cultivated and transported in pots of various sizes, typically as small to medium-sized trees.
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Pros: These trees are generally easy to handle and move—thanks to their manageable size, container rims for gripping, and compatibility with dollies. Their entire root system is contained, which helps preserve the delicate fibrous roots during transport.
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Cons: Many container trees become root-bound, meaning their roots outgrow the pot and begin circling the inside. If not addressed at planting, these circling (or "girdling") roots can strangle the tree over time. To prevent this, the roots must be cut or loosened to encourage outward growth once planted.
BALL AND BURLAP
Balled and burlapped (B&B) trees are typically larger-caliper trees. Their root systems are wrapped in burlap and secured with wire, forming a soil ball that keeps the roots intact during transport.
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Pros: When properly dug, B&B trees retain a substantial portion of their root system. Their larger size provides an immediate visual impact in the landscape, and they can be efficiently moved using heavy equipment.
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Cons: These trees are extremely heavy, often requiring large equipment for transport and planting, making manual handling impractical. Because they’re grown in open soil, if the tree is oversized, a significant portion of the root system may be lost during digging. Additionally, B&B trees often require staking after planting, as their canopy can be much larger than the root base, making them vulnerable to wind damage.