Central Bingham Soil and Water Conservation District
Central Bingham Soil and Water Conservation District
725 Jensen Grove Dr, Suite 3
Blackfoot, ID 83221
Phone: 785-6505 Ext. 102       Fax: 785-5847
Email:


BAREROOT NURSERY STOCK
Courtesy of Lawyer Nursery, Inc.
Caring for Bareroot Nursery Stock:

Barefoot plant material needs to be handled efficiently in order to promote the best health and survival rate for your seedlings.  Paying close attention to keeping stock cool, roots moist and protected from direct sunlight, wind, and extreme temperatures will ensure the best results.  Several situations require specific attention and they are listed below.

Planting Bareroot Stock:

Before your order of nursery stock arrives is when you should start preparing for transplanting.  Preparing the ground for field grown stock or obtaining pots and soil mix for potting stock are essential before stock arrival.

Soil tilled through two consecutive seasons will provide stock weed control and will loosen the ground for your new stock.  Pots must be large enough to fully extend the root systems and allow them room to grow.

When your stock arrives, you should have your transplanting plan prepared.  Roots should be soaked before planting a minimum of 4 to 6 hours to ensure proper hydration.  If possible, continue to soak roots while transplanting.  Plants should be transplanted within 24 to 48 hours of receiving them.

The first two weeks after planting will be the most crucial to survival.  So keep your plant material properly irrigated.  Additional shade and wind protection may benefit certain species.


BURLAP BALL STOCK
Courtesy of Sester Farms, Inc.
  • Handle with care!  Carry by the ball.  Do not drop.  The ball contains the fibrous roots which are very easily broken.


  • Your pine or spruce must have the strings holding top together untied within 24 hours after receipt.  If not, they will heat up and burn foliage.


  • Watering:
    • Balls must never dry out.
    • Keep the balls moist but not soggy.
    • Remember the balls may take water slowly, so don't expect to water with hose quickly.
    • After planting, drip irrigation is a must.
    • Spruce are like other crops you grow--they need moisture, but they also need oxygen in soil.  They cannot survive dry and they cannot be drowned all the time.
    • Always check plant root ball for moisture.  Don't judge by surrounding soil moisture.


  • Planting:
    • Leave burlap on ball when planting. After the first year, cut the neck string at the crown of the tree and loosen the burlap.  It is very important not to remove the burlap.  The tree roots grow through it.  It keeps the tree and root ball stable against wind.
    • Plant the top of the burlap level with the soil.


  • Check with local advisors for control methods for the following:
    • spider mites—all summer
    • spruce aphids—spring
    • root weevil—spring when adults are laying eggs

    Transplanting Broadleaf Evergreens:
    Problems with transplanting broadleaf evergreens and some conifers usually stem from desiccation (drying out) of the stock after transplanting.  This includes Arctostaphyllos, Mahonia, Gaultheria, long needle pines, and others.  Your results with these species may be improved by utilizing the following procedures:

  • For broadleaf species, remove or clip off most leaves prior to transplanting.  This may seem severe, as the plants are often purchased for their foliage.  Removal of leaves will help survival by reducing transpiration.  As stock begins new root growth, new leaf buds will push and grow.
  • Soak the root systems for 4 to 6 hours before transplanting to make sure that the plants are properly hydrated.
  • Keep your transplanted material under shade and on a very frequent intermittent mist or overhead irrigation.  If possible, feed the plants consistently with a very light nutrient level during establishment, which may take two to six weeks.
  • Once new leaves emerge and root systems have re-established, remove any covering and irrigate and care for the plants as you would any other newly transplanted deciduous tree or shrub.


    • Storing Stock:

    If you must store you plants prier to planting, be sure the selected storage area maintains the correct temperature, has good ventilation and plants will be protected from drying out, heating or freezing.  Remove the plants from their boxes and keep roots moist and the tops of plants dry.  Do not store stock near fresh produce or cut flowers, both of which release ethylene gas which is deadly to live plant material.

    Broadleaf Deciduous Nursery Stock:
    Inspect the plants to see if they have broken dormancy (plants will often 'sweat' in transit).  If buds are swelling or stretching, the plants should not be stored for more than one or two days prior to planting.  If deciduous plants are still dormant and in good condition, they can be kept in carefully controlled cold storage until approximately May 1st as long as storage temperatures are maintained between 34-38°F, relative humidity is kept above 85%, with good air circulation and stock is kept well hydrated without excessive surface moisture.

    Broadleaf Evergreen Nursery Stock:
    Process and plant these species immediately.  Do not attempt to store them for more than 36 hours.  Keep plants cool, moist and shaded until ready to plant.

    Conifer Nursery Stock: Conifers can be held for short periods if stored immediately upon arrival in an area kept 34-38'F.  Their tops and roots should be kept moist and shaded, and planted within 24 to 48 hours.
Courtesy of Lawyer Nursery, Inc.