Select trees by how they are supplied and it will shape when and how you plant. Pot grown trees are available year-round and establish reliably in any season, making them the practical choice for most garden projects. Bare root trees are lifted and despatched during dormancy between November and March; they offer excellent value for larger planting schemes and typically establish as strongly as pot grown equivalents by the end of their first summer. Browse by root type below, or visit all trees to filter by size, soil type or ornamental feature.
For most gardeners buying one or a small number of trees, pot grown is the straightforward choice: it is available year-round, establishment is reliable and the plants arrive with an intact root system. For larger schemes planted between November and March, bare root offers better value and equally strong results. Our guide to planting bare root trees and shrubs covers preparation and technique for dormant-season planting. The FAQs below cover when to plant each root type, what to expect in the first season and how the two compare on establishment.
Pot grown trees are supplied in a container with their root system intact and can be planted at any time of year when the ground is workable. Bare root trees are lifted during dormancy and despatched without soil between November and March. Both establish well; bare root is better value for larger quantities and suited to dormant-season planting.
Plant bare root trees between November and March while they are dormant and the ground is workable. Avoid planting into frozen or waterlogged soil. If you cannot plant immediately on delivery, heel the roots into a sheltered patch of soil temporarily to prevent them from drying out.
Yes, bare root trees are every bit as good as pot grown when planted correctly and at the right time of year. They establish strongly during the dormant season and typically match pot grown plants in active growth by the end of their first summer. The lower price reflects the production method, not the quality of the plant.
Pot grown trees can be planted at any time of year when the ground is workable. Autumn and early spring are ideal, as moderate soil temperatures and natural rainfall reduce the need for supplementary watering. Summer planting is possible but requires consistent watering through dry periods until the tree is established.
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