Why Late Winter Is the Secret Season for Planting Bare-Root Trees & Shrubs

There’s a moment every year when the garden feels like it’s holding its breath.

The days stretch a little longer. The soil is softer, darker, more awake. Birds start arguing again. And even though the beds still look bare, something has shifted.

This is one of my favorite times to plant — especially bare-root trees and shrubs.

Not when everything is leafed out and demanding attention, but now — while plants are still dormant, quietly preparing for the season ahead.

What does “bare-root” mean?

Bare-root plants are sold without soil around their roots. No pots, no heavy root balls — just the plant, lifted while dormant and ready to settle into its new home.

At first glance they can look… underwhelming. A bundle of roots. A stick. A promise.

But that simplicity is exactly the point.

Why late winter & early spring are ideal

Bare-root planting works best when plants are still asleep — and the soil is workable but not frozen.

Right now:

• Roots can establish before leaves demand energy

• Transplant shock is minimal

• Moist spring soil does most of the watering for you

• Plants wake up already at home

By the time everything else is rushing into growth, your trees and shrubs are already settled — quietly building strong root systems underground.

It’s one of those rare gardening moments where patience gets rewarded early.

What plants love bare-root planting?

Bare-root isn’t just for orchard growers. Many garden staples thrive this way:

• Fruit trees (apple, pear, plum, cherry)

• Roses

• Deciduous shrubs

• Native trees and hedging plants

• Currants, gooseberries, raspberries

They establish faster, cost less, and often outperform container plants within a year or two.

How to plant bare-root (without overthinking it)

You don’t need perfection here — just care.

1. Soak roots in water for 30–60 minutes before planting

2. Dig a generous hole; let roots spread naturally

3. Plant at the same depth the plant grew before

4. Backfill, firm gently, water well

5. Mulch — then step back and trust the process

That’s it. No fertilizer rush. No fussing.

A quiet kind of optimism

Bare-root planting is an act of faith.

You put something that looks almost lifeless into cold soil and believe — not because it’s dramatic, but because it’s reliable. Because plants have been doing this longer than we’ve been gardening.

If spring feels early or uncertain where you are, that’s okay. This work happens underground first.

The leaves will come later.