As a gardening and landscaping expert, I can provide you with a detailed answer to your question about how long bare root trees can stay out of the ground.
Bare root trees are trees that have been dug up from the ground and have had the soil removed from their roots. These trees are typically sold and planted during the dormant season, which is usually in the late fall or early spring. During this time, the trees are not actively growing, which makes them easier to handle and transplant.
The length of time that bare root trees can stay out of the ground depends on several factors, including the type of tree, the weather conditions, and how the roots are stored. In general, bare root trees can be stored for up to two or three weeks if you can keep the roots from drying out.
One method to keep the roots moist during storage is to wrap them in damp paper or burlap. This helps to retain moisture and prevent the roots from drying out. If you are planning to store bare root trees for a longer period of time, such as more than a week, it is a good idea to check the moisture level of the paper or burlap regularly and add additional damp material if needed.
It is important to note that the longer a bare root tree is stored out of the ground, the greater the risk of damage to the roots and reduced viability for successful transplantation. The roots need to be kept moist and protected to ensure their health and survival.
In my personal experience, I have successfully stored bare root trees for up to two weeks by wrapping the roots in damp newspaper and keeping them in a cool, shaded area. However, I have also seen cases where bare root trees that were stored for a longer period of time without proper moisture and protection suffered from root rot and ultimately did not survive when planted.
To summarize, bare root trees can stay out of the ground for up to two or three weeks if the roots are kept moist. However, for longer storage periods, it is important to regularly check the moisture level and provide additional damp material to prevent the roots from drying out. It is always best to plant bare root trees as soon as possible to ensure their health and successful transplantation.
