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Bare root trees

Anna33Anna33 Posts: 316
in Plants
I've finally decided on which tree to go for in the garden (Sorbus Olympic Flame), and was hoping to buy it bare root both for the cost and that it would hopefully mean it would "take" better than a potted version. However, its final planting place won't be available until March at the earliest, as we're having some ground stabilisation done to that part of the garden.

Is it possible to buy a bare root tree now, and either pot it up temporarily or plant it elsewhere temporarily, and move it when the spot is ready? Would that cause any problems, and if not, which would be the better option?

Posts

  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Yes, it'll be fine. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Anna33Anna33 Posts: 316
    Crikey, that was quick!! Thank you!

    Would it be better to pot it up, or plant it elsewhere temporarily? Or again, does it not make much difference either way?

    Apologies for the stupid questions, I'm quite experienced with perennials, but very unknowledgable about trees! Am probably overthinking everything!
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Not a stupid question at all @Anna33 - trees are very different to  perennials, and need attention for quite a while until they're properly established, which yours should do over winter when it'll get adequate moisture.  :)

    It won't make much difference either way if it's a short time, but a pot is probably better, as long as it doesn't dry out. Some garden soil in a container will be best for it. Keep an eye on it if you have long dry spells, but if you tuck it somewhere where it won't get dried out by sun and wind, that'll help   :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Anna33Anna33 Posts: 316
    Thanks again, that is actually the better option for me, which is good. Lovely, I can go ahead and order one now, then.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Nice tree - one that I had my eye on for a spot here. I'm slightly biased when it comes to Rowans though, as they do so well in our climate here. 
    I hope it does well for you  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Anna33Anna33 Posts: 316
    I really wanted some sort of rowan tree as they just look lovely, and have all the berries for the birds, but I couldn't have one that had more of a spreading habit because it will be reasonably close to a neighbour's garden and I'm trying to be a considerate neighbour in terms of future growth, leaves etc.

    I saw this variety in a garden I volunteer at, and it had exactly what I was looking for - autumn leaf colour, the right colour berries, and a good habit, so that helped make my decision...! I'm the complete opposite end of the country from you, being down in the SE, but we've also got some nice looking rowans round and about, so with any luck it will also be happy in its final spot!
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    They're such valuable trees, whether it's the species [which I love for it's resilience] or one of the cultivated varieties. 
    Every garden should have one  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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