Should I cut back the top of a bare root tree?

21 days ago

Very experienced gardener, but I've never mail ordered a bare root tree. The instructions say top growth must be cut back. Is this current advice? I thought that this was outdated info, at least when transplanting.

I'll be planting it tomorrow, so give me your best advice ASAP.

Thanks

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (3)

BillMN-z-2-3-4
21 days ago
The only parts I would cut are the ones that are dead, broken or disfigured.

Cutting living plant material is throwing away stored food material.

Plus, the tree is now under the stress healing the open wounds created by the cuts.

Plant, wait, trim branches that have died. The tree knows what it should abandon or not.
gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)
21 days ago
For the most part, that IS outdated info. The only time it may be appropriate is if a very young fruit tree that is little more than a whip or a single vertical shoot with no side branching. Cutting back the leader by a third or so will encourage side branching and since the tree is (or should be) dormant, the transpiration issue or foliage to root mass issue is null and void. Not at all the same as when transplanting or planting a more mature and no longer dormant subject.

This rough rule of thumb also tends to be most relevant to fruit trees or something like the Arbor Day trees that are really just seedlings or only first or second year grafts.
Related Discussions
Grafting onto a new bare root fruit tree questions
Q
Comments (5)
John: I like your plan except I can't do a whip&tongue on that short of a stub. I've had very good luck with W&T but would need several more inches to work with. Then if the W&T fail, T bud in May on that same stub or a new sprout as soon as the wood turns from green to reddish. I'd do the W&T when the tree first starts to push leaves, probably March where you are. I've had great luck with T budding in May and forcing after 2 weeks if the bud takes. I'd keep more laterals and space them out up and down the trunk. It won't hurt to do two or three of each W&T and the same on budding if needed later. As long as you cut back on all remaining laterals, the tree will be fine starting out with 9-12 branches. Latter select the best of each variety.
...See More
new bare root fruit trees
Q
Comments (5)
The big box store trees can be a problem. First, in order to sell well, they are grown large. This is problematic even with a good bare-root harvest. Then, to compound the issue, the roots are in pretty rough shape. The combination leads to not enough roots to support the top. So, heavy pruning of the top is advised in order to balance them out until the roots can regrow. IMO, more cutting may be in order. If you do cut them off low, be sure to check for live buds below the point you hope to cut. Most of my experience is with peaches, and doing this to an older tree such as those sold at big box stores can be lethal as there is no live buds along the trunk to grow out. I think apples and pears may be more capable of putting forth new branches low on the trunk, but I'm not certain of that. Either way, I wouldn't be heading those off so severely as I would try to maintain the central form. The shipped cherry, and the store trees may have been treated differently, causing the differential growth. It is possible the store-trees were cooler-stored until just before shipping to the store. Only time will tell. And if they are as dormant as you say, it is not too late to prune further if you so desire.
...See More
Soil to use to raise bare root tree
Q
Comments (6)
see link for a discussion about planting in clay .. to be very clear ... there is NOTHING WRONG WITH CLAY ... i am sure.. if you look around you ... you will see all kinds of plants and trees... that were self planted that have thrived for a very long time ... the most important thing with TRANSPLANTS .. is water management .... if you dig a hole.. in clay that does not drain fast enough ... you are digging a big pot.. that holds water ... roots need air.. as much as water .... to thrive ... and it should be apparent that if you rot the roots off.. you lose ... do understand ... that 99% of clay is VERY GOOD stuff to grow in ... its all about giving a NEW TRANSPLANT ... allowing it time to put its own roots into that clay ... one way to look at it is ... i am sure you have seen ball and burlap plants being offered ... they HAVE TO GROW SUCH IN CLAY ... else they could not dig the ball and burlap it .... so ... very simply ... by planting high ... you are allowing the TRANSPLANT to survive with both water and air to its roots... while it copes with.. and adjusts ITSELF ... to the clay .... i would NOT dig a huge hole ... as the above should explain why ..... and you might be surprised how little root.. comes on your new mail order trees .... ken Here is a link that might be useful: link
...See More
Storing bare roots [updated: rooted cuttings/bands] until spring?
Q
Comments (17)
I have an attached, uninsulated garage. We had -20 F for 7 days followed by -40F wind chills for a week. WICKED COLD WEATHER!! During that time, I had a little rose cutting of Quietness that I started last summer from a broken branch in the spring, that I was storing in the garage. I thought it was dead after that nasty cold snap, but I brought it inside and watered it... Turns out, I was wrong. As you can see... the proof is in the pudding. This cutting had no extra protection whatsoever. I have grown roses under grow lights over winter many times, so under the lights it goes until March, and then I'll stick it in my plastic covered window well, which functions as my little greenhouse. It keeps even Gloire de Dijon happy in my climate... But that's another story. Rebecca
...See More
laceyvail 6A, WV
Original Author
21 days ago
The tree is an Amelanchier 'Autumn Brilliance' clump form, something of a cross between a tree and a shrub. Instructions for shrubs are pretty clear to "thin 1/3 to 1/2 shrub by removing large branches" and topping others to improve shape. For trees to remove any broken or damaged branches/roots and some shaping pruning.

I'm going to consider it a tree and do very little pruning.

Thanks Bill and Gardengal.

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES The Beauty of Bare-Root Plants

By Marianne Lipanovich

Plant dormant trees and shrubs in fall using the easy, affordable bare-root method and enjoy beautiful results in spring

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES 10 Top California Native Plants, Trees and Grasses

By Debbie Ballentine

Enjoy a fuss-free, water-wise garden in the Golden State by growing plants naturally in tune with the climate and wildlife

Full Story

TREES 10 Top Trees to Grow in Containers

By Lauren Dunec Hoang

These container-friendly trees make great specimens for pots on the patio or marking an entrance

Full Story

WINTER GARDENING How to Plant Bare-Root Roses

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Late winter or early spring is a great time to put new roses into the ground

Full Story

ARCHITECTURE Roots of Style: Shingle Style Is Back — Here's How to Spot It

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Intimate or rambling, in the coast or by the sea, Shingle homes are seeing a revival. Has your home joined in?

Full Story

TREES Top 5 Trees for Fall Color in California

By Bill Marken

Bring a glorious sight to the landscape this autumn with one of these beauties that thrive in mild climates

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES Tree Care: Common Tree Diseases and What to Do About Them

By Falon Mihalic

Learn to recognize trees that may be affected by diseases or pests so you can quickly take action

Full Story

HOUZZ TOURS Houzz Tours: Lucas's Loft in the Trees

By Becky Harris

Full Story

GARDENING 101 When Should You Prune Your Trees and Shrubs?

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Pruning keeps plants healthy. Find out the best time to cut back flowering trees, needle-bearing shrubs and more

Full Story

GARDENING GUIDES 7 Ecofriendly Gardening Ideas That Also Cut Chore Time

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Spend less time weeding, less money watering and more moments just sitting back and enjoying your healthy garden

Full Story

Should I cut back the top of a bare root tree?

Comments (3)

BillMN-z-2-3-4

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

Related Discussions

laceyvail 6A, WV
Original Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Should I cut back the top of a bare root tree?

Comments (3)

BillMN-z-2-3-4

gardengal48 (PNW Z8/9)

Related Discussions

laceyvail 6A, WVOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

laceyvail 6A, WV
Original Author