A bare roots nursery is a nursery that grows trees and seedlings in a field or flower bed rather than in pots or containers. Plants are removed from the nursery at a time of dormancy, and transported in a way that protects them from drying out and getting damaged.
Benefits of Bare Roots:
Lower transplant shocks- because bare roots plants are grown in fields or beds, they do not require constant repotting and thus have root systems that are only disturbed once- when the plant is removed from the nursery and sold. In addition, plants are replanted only in their dormancy, which allows them to conserve their energy and redirect it to the process of becoming established in their new environment.
Faster root growth. Because bare roots don't have to transition from pot to ground conditions, they are able to develop quicker, and thus produce faster.
Higher root mass. Bare roots may have up to 200% more roots than container grown trees (because they are not stunted or constrained whilst growing).
More resilient. Bare roots are not exposed to extreme fluctuations in water levels and temperatures. The soil around the plants help to insulate it from excess hot/ cold spells. Bare roots naturally have deeper soil levels, and are thus less prone to drying out or overheating/ freezing.
Better airflow. Plants potted in plastic bags often do not have access to sufficient airflow. This can lead to root rot, root failure, or at the very least, stunted and pot bound roots. Pot bound roots can eventually girdle (surround and strangle) their own trunk, killing the plant. Bare roots plants have room to expand and grow, and thus have healthier root systems.
Sturdier trees. Container-grown trees often have a tap root that circles the plant rather than growing down to anchor them, this results in unbalanced trees that are easily blown over when planted out.
Less likely to transfer soil-based pathogens. Because the roots are transported bare, soil based pathogens are not transported with the trees. Also fungal infections in the roots can easily be spotted and infected trees destroyed, ensuring your trees are 100% healthy on delivery.
Easier to transport. Bare roots are moved during their dormancy, this means that their leaves are not yet open and their roots are not surrounded by earth, but are instead packed in moisture-retaining materials such as straw, sawdust, newspaper or other mediums. This makes them lighter, less prone to broken branches and easier to pack for bulk deliveries.
Comments