Help with bare root planting.

[Above Par Lawns]

I ordered a crape myrtle for a client of mine and will be planting today. I have never planted a bare root tree before. I have done some research but was wondering if any of you have any inside tips that may be helpful for me to keep in mind. Thanks in advance!

[Pro-Lawn&Grounds]

(NOTICE! - These are steps on planting a DORMANT bare root tree. I never plant barefoot trees at any time except between november to march. The chances of your tree doing well this year -if living at all- are going to be very slim. If I was you I'd buy a new one that was NOT bare root.)

It's simple. You dig the hole to the appropriate depth (deeper if your soil quality is poor as you'll need to amend it or replace it with a good loam). Then you insert a tree stake into the ground in the hole so it stands vertically with the way the tree will be planted. Next put the tree in the hole and attach it via strap (rope wire etc) to the pole so that it is perfectly aligned with the stake. Then mix the soil you've taken out of the hole with proper planting compost, loam, sand etc (based on the soil condition - usually just planting compost works however I like to fully amend all soils I'm planting in to ensure the best results)

[Above Par Lawns]

Originally Posted by Pro-Lawn&Grounds

(NOTICE! - These are steps on planting a DORMANT bare root tree. I never plant barefoot trees at any time except between november to march. The chances of your tree doing well this year -if living at all- are going to be very slim. If I was you I'd buy a new one that was NOT bare root.)

It's simple. You dig the hole to the appropriate depth (deeper if your soil quality is poor as you'll need to amend it or replace it with a good loam). Then you insert a tree stake into the ground in the hole so it stands vertically with the way the tree will be planted. Next put the tree in the hole and attach it via strap (rope wire etc) to the pole so that it is perfectly aligned with the stake. Then mix the soil you've taken out of the hole with proper planting compost, loam, sand etc (based on the soil condition - usually just planting compost works however I like to fully amend all soils I'm planting in to ensure the best results)

Really? Damn I didn't realize the success rate was so low. I always thought bare root was the way to go. Spring is just now arriving here in Kansas City so I hope I'm not too late!

[Grassmechanic]

Dig hole. Make a small "volcano" in the bottom of hole. Spread roots out over the top and down sides of volcano. Backfill and gently firm soil, keeping the stem at the correct depth. Stake and water.

[Bigred350]

You would be better off to buy one in a nursery pot.
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[Above Par Lawns]

All the nurseries around here seem to think I'm not gonna have any issues. I guess we'll just see how it goes.

[Grassmechanic]

Originally Posted by Above Par Lawns

All the nurseries around here seem to think I'm not gonna have any issues. I guess we'll just see how it goes.

I dont see any issue as well. I have planted over 1,000 plants bare-root, and have great success. If you spread the roots out correctly, you'll have no issue with root girdling that is common with B&B and container grown plants. I prefer bare-root.

[meets1]

Not a big deal. I have a nursery and we potted 1000 barefoot this spring already. I never have had an issue but that's just me I guess. I no reason why you can't do it or can't have success at it.

[Above Par Lawns]

The leaves on this tree are beginning to turn black and shrivel up. Is that normal?

[Grassmechanic]

No, that's not normal. Get it planted ASAP.