Forum home› Fruit & veg
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

First time bare-root tree purchase

milesgaynormilesgaynor Posts: 3
in Fruit & veg
Hello :)
I've received a Damson tree through the post. It was sold as a bare root tree, but it doesn't appear to have any roots! Please forgive my ignorance but I've never bought a tree like this before. It's 5ft tall, a single whip and the bottom of the tree looks like this:

Is it even worth carrying on with it? I've planted it in John Innes no2 in a large pot, for now.
Thank you.

Posts

  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    I'd send that photo to the supplier and ask for a replacement or your money back.  One of the remaining hacked root stubs is also broken.  I think you've been sent a dead stick, to be perfectly honest. :'(
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • RedwingRedwing Posts: 1,511
    I agree with Bob.
    Based in Sussex, I garden to encourage as many birds to my garden as possible.
  • Cambridgerose12Cambridgerose12 Posts: 1,134
    Yes, that's not how they should look at all. It should look a bit like coarse brown hair at t'other end, and a stick at the top. 

    If you possibly can, then wait until October to buy again, as they really appreciate having the autumn root-growing period to get started. This time of year, they will struggle more and will need lots of water all year to survive. But you might also want to change supplier...
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    I agree with the others. It looks as if you've been sent the rubbish one that's left over at the end of the bare-root season.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • milesgaynormilesgaynor Posts: 3
    OK, thanks folks. I guess it's time to contact the vendor.
    All the best!
Sign In or Register to comment.