Frequently asked questions

The ideal time to plant bare root trees is from November to March. Planting during this period allows your trees to establish well over winter and be ready to burst into growth in spring.

All our trees are grown locally within a few miles of our West Norfolk warehouse, by trusted local families.

Bare root trees are grown in open ground, then lifted and despatched within days. This means they arrive fresh, vigorous, and with stronger root systems than container-grown trees. Without the constraints of a pot, roots grow freely and establish quickly once planted.

Your trees are securely packed for safe shipping. When they arrive:

• Carefully open the packaging using scissors or a craft knife.

• If you’re not planting right away, soak the roots in a bucket of tepid water for about an hour.

• Store them in a cool, dry, frost-free place protected from wind until planting.

• If the delay is more than a couple of days, heel them into the soil or pot them up temporarily using good-quality compost.

Bare root trees can be safely stored for a couple of weeks if they are heeled in or kept in a frost-free, sheltered place. Avoid keeping the roots in water for more than 2 hours, as they can drown.

Before planting:

• Inspect roots and trim any damaged sections.

• Soak the roots in water for an hour to rehydrate them.

• Dig a hole deep and wide enough for the roots to spread without bending.

• Avoid using fertiliser or horse muck – it can burn or rot the roots.

• Backfill with soil and firm it gently around the roots to remove air pockets.

• Water well after planting.

Yes! Apply a layer of mulch around the base to help conserve moisture, regulate temperature and reduce weed competition. Avoid piling mulch against the trunk.

Yes – young trees benefit from staking to prevent them leaning or toppling in windy weather. Use a soft tie to avoid damaging the bark.

Keep the base of the tree clear of grass and weeds – they compete for nutrients and provide cover for rodents. Use tree guards or protection tubes to prevent rabbits, rodents, and voles from nibbling the bark (voles especially love willow bark!). If you have horses, fence young trees for 3–5 years – a curious horse can destroy a sapling in minutes.