From Sparse Roots to Sweet Fruit: Saving Your Bare Root Cherry Tree

Bare Root Cherry Tree Blues: Can It Survive?

So, you’ve taken the plunge and snagged a bare root cherry tree – a promising addition to your garden, hopefully destined to bear delicious fruit. But wait, the roots look a little… sparse? Fear not, fellow gardener! This is a common concern, and with the right care, your seemingly root-challenged cherry tree has a fighting chance. Let’s delve into the world of bare root trees and what you can do to tip the odds in your favor.

Understanding Bare Root Trees

Firstly, let’s clarify what a bare root tree actually is. Unlike trees you buy in containers, which have their roots established in soil, bare root trees are dormant plants that are sold without any soil around their roots. They’re typically harvested during the dormant season (late fall to early spring) when the tree isn’t actively growing. This method of selling trees is often more cost-effective for the nursery and can offer some advantages to the gardener, such as easier transport and planting.

However, the success of a bare root tree hinges on the condition of its roots. These roots are the lifeline, responsible for absorbing water and nutrients, and anchoring the tree. When a bare root tree arrives with what appears to be a minimal root system, it’s natural to feel a surge of doubt. But before you give up hope, consider these factors:

• Dormancy: The tree is dormant. It’s not actively growing, so its immediate needs for an extensive root system are less. The priority is to establish new roots.
• Root Pruning: Nurseries often prune the roots of bare root trees to encourage new growth and to make them easier to handle and transport. This may make the root system look smaller than expected.
• Species: Some fruit tree varieties naturally have less extensive root systems compared to others.

Assessing the Situation: Is Your Tree a Lost Cause?

Before panicking, take a good look at the tree’s roots. Here’s what to assess:

• Moisture: Are the roots moist, or are they dried out? They should not be bone dry. Dry roots are a very bad sign and the tree’s chance of survival is significantly reduced. If the roots are dry, immediately submerge them in a bucket of water for several hours, or even overnight, before planting.
• Flexibility: Are the roots brittle and easily broken, or are they somewhat pliable? Healthy roots should be flexible. Brittle roots suggest that they are damaged or dead.
• Color: Healthy roots are typically light-colored, often whitish or tan. Dark, mushy, or black roots are a red flag, indicating decay.
• Overall Condition: Examine the tree’s trunk and branches. Are they supple or dried out? Any signs of disease or pest infestation?

If the roots are moist, flexible, and light-colored, with a healthy-looking trunk and branches, your tree has a decent chance of survival. If the roots are dry, brittle, or discolored, the odds are lower, but not necessarily zero. There are still steps you can take!

Immediate Actions: Giving Your Cherry Tree a Head Start

Time is of the essence when dealing with bare root trees. Here’s a plan of action:

1. Rehydration: If the roots seem dry, the very first step is rehydration. Submerge the roots in a bucket of water for several hours, or even overnight. This will help them plump up and prepare for planting. Avoid soaking for too long in warm water, as this can encourage the growth of undesirable bacteria.
2. Protection: Keep the roots protected from drying out from the moment they are delivered to the moment they are planted. Keep them covered with damp burlap, moist paper towels, or in a bucket of water until planting.
3. Planting Site: Choose a planting site that is suitable for a cherry tree. Cherry trees require full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day) and well-drained soil. They are not tolerant of wet feet. Ensure the soil is not compacted. If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with organic matter, such as compost, to improve drainage.
4. Planting Hole: Dig a planting hole that is wide enough to accommodate the roots without crowding them. The hole should be as deep as the root system, and the top of the root flare (where the roots meet the trunk) should be level with, or slightly above, the surrounding ground. This is very important to prevent rot.
5. Root Pruning (Optional, but often beneficial): Carefully trim any broken or excessively long roots before planting. This encourages new root growth. Use sharp pruning shears to make clean cuts.
6. Planting: Gently spread out the roots in the planting hole. Backfill the hole with the original soil, mixed with some compost or other organic matter. Gently tamp down the soil to eliminate air pockets, but avoid compacting it too much. Do not add fertilizer to the planting hole, as this can burn the tender roots.
7. Watering: Water the tree thoroughly after planting. The goal is to saturate the soil around the roots. After the initial watering, keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged, for the first few weeks. Check the soil moisture regularly.
8. Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch, such as wood chips, around the base of the tree, keeping the mulch a few inches away from the trunk. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
9. Staking (If Necessary): If the tree is tall or in a windy location, you may need to stake it to provide support while it establishes its root system. Use soft material (e.g., tree ties, old hose) to attach the tree to the stakes to prevent damage to the bark.
10. Pruning: Prune the top of the tree lightly at planting. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. This helps balance the top growth with the root system. Do not prune too heavily in the first year.

Ongoing Care: Nurturing Your Cherry Tree

Once planted, your cherry tree will need ongoing care to thrive:

• Watering: Continue to monitor soil moisture and water regularly, especially during dry periods. Deep, infrequent watering is generally better than shallow, frequent watering. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
• Fertilizing: Avoid fertilizing the tree in its first year, as it’s trying to establish its root system. In the second year, you can begin fertilizing in early spring with a balanced fertilizer formulated for fruit trees. Follow the product instructions carefully.
• Weed Control: Keep the area around the tree free of weeds, which compete for water and nutrients. Mulching is an excellent way to suppress weeds.
• Pest and Disease Management: Cherry trees are susceptible to certain pests and diseases. Monitor your tree regularly for any signs of infestation or illness. Take appropriate action if you see any problems, which could include using organic pest control methods or contacting your local extension office for advice.
• Pruning: Prune your cherry tree annually to maintain its shape, encourage fruit production, and remove dead or diseased wood. Learn about the specific pruning requirements for your cherry tree variety, as different types of cherries have different pruning needs.

The Waiting Game: Patience is a Virtue

Planting a bare root tree is an act of faith and patience. Even with the best care, it may take a few years for your cherry tree to bear fruit. Don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t seem to be growing much in the first year. The tree is putting its energy into establishing its root system. Just keep providing the care it needs, and with a little luck, you’ll be enjoying fresh cherries from your own garden in the not-too-distant future.

Should You Return the Tree?

Ultimately, the decision of whether to return the tree or not is yours. If the roots are in truly terrible condition (dry, brittle, or heavily discolored), you might consider returning it. However, if you are willing to put in the effort and provide the necessary care, a bare root tree with a less-than-perfect root system can still succeed. Your husband is right; it may have been the last one, and there’s nothing more disappointing than losing a good tree. This is a good time to consider the following questions:

• How much do you want this particular variety? If it’s a hard-to-find or especially desirable cultivar, it might be worth the extra effort.
• Are you willing to dedicate the time and care necessary? This includes regular watering, monitoring, and potential pest or disease control.
• Are you prepared for the possibility of failure? Despite your best efforts, the tree may not survive. If you can accept this risk, then proceed.

If you decide to keep the tree, follow the steps outlined above carefully. Keep an eye on the tree’s progress, and adjust your care as needed. And remember, gardening is often a learning experience. You’ll undoubtedly learn a lot about growing trees, whether this one thrives or not.

In the end, the joy of growing your own fruit is worth the effort, and the satisfaction of nurturing a struggling tree back to health is unmatched. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your gardening gloves, and get ready to give your bare root cherry tree the best chance it has to succeed.