How to Heel In Bare Root Trees for Transplanting with Step-by-Step Instructions

How to Heel In Bare Root Trees

Spring is in the air, and that means it’s time to plant trees! If you’re looking to add some new trees to your landscape, you may be considering bare root trees. Bare root trees are trees that have been dug up and their roots exposed. This makes them more affordable than container-grown trees, but it also means that they require a little more care when planting.

Heeling in bare root trees is a simple process that can help to protect their roots and ensure that they get off to a good start. In this article, we’ll discuss what heeling in is, why it’s important, and how to do it properly.

What is Heeling In?

Heeling in is the process of temporarily planting a bare root tree in a shallow trench. This helps to protect the roots from drying out and damage while you’re preparing the permanent planting site.

Why is Heeling In Important?

Bare root trees are more susceptible to damage than container-grown trees because their roots are exposed. When you heel in a bare root tree, you’re helping to protect the roots from drying out and damage. This can improve the tree’s chances of survival and help it to establish a strong root system.

How to Heel In a Bare Root Tree

Heeling in a bare root tree is a simple process. Just follow these steps:

1. Dig a shallow trench that is wide enough to accommodate the roots of the tree.
2. Place the tree in the trench so that the roots are spread out.
3. Cover the roots with soil, leaving the top of the root ball exposed.
4. Water the tree thoroughly.

You can leave the tree in the heeling trench for a few days or weeks, depending on the weather conditions. Once the weather has warmed up and the ground has thawed, you can transplant the tree to its permanent location.

Heeling in is a simple but important process that can help to improve the chances of survival for bare root trees. By following these steps, you can give your new trees the best possible start.

| Step | Task | Tools |
|—|—|—|
| 1 | Dig a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball. | Shovel, garden trowel |
| 2 | Place the tree in the hole so that the root flare is level with the soil surface. | |
| 3 | Backfill the hole with soil, tamping it down firmly as you go. | |
| 4 | Water the tree thoroughly. | Garden hose |
| 5 | Mulch around the tree to help retain moisture and protect the roots from the sun. | Mulch |

Choosing the Right Tree for Heeling In

When choosing a tree for heeling in, it is important to consider the following factors:

• The size of the tree. Heeling in is best suited for trees that are small enough to be easily dug up and replanted. Trees that are too large may be damaged during the process.
• The type of tree. Some trees are more tolerant of being heel in than others. Deciduous trees, such as maples and oaks, are generally more tolerant than evergreens, such as pines and firs.
• The climate. The climate in your area will also affect the type of tree that you choose. Trees that are native to your area will be more likely to thrive than trees that are not.

Once you have considered these factors, you can start choosing the right tree for heeling in. Here are a few suggestions:

• For small gardens, consider a tree such as a Japanese maple, a crabapple, or a dogwood.
• For larger gardens, you could choose a tree such as a magnolia, a birch, or a willow.
• For coastal areas, consider a tree such as a sea buckthorn, a tamarisk, or a mangrove.

Preparing the Soil for Heeling In

Before you can heel in a tree, you need to prepare the soil. The following steps will help you get started:

1. Dig a hole that is twice as wide and as deep as the root ball of the tree.
2. Add a layer of compost or organic matter to the bottom of the hole. This will help to improve the drainage and fertility of the soil.
3. Set the tree in the hole so that the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
4. Backfill the hole with soil, tamping it down firmly as you go.
5. Water the tree thoroughly.

Once you have finished heeling in the tree, you should mulch the area around the tree to help retain moisture and protect the roots from the sun.

Heeling in is a great way to get a head start on planting trees. By following these steps, you can help ensure that your trees will grow strong and healthy.

Here are some additional tips for heeling in trees:

• Heel in trees in the early spring or fall, when the weather is cool and moist.
• Water the trees regularly, especially during dry periods.
• Fertilize the trees according to the directions on the fertilizer label.
• Prune the trees as needed to maintain a healthy shape.

By following these tips, you can help your trees thrive for years to come.

Heel In the Tree

Heeling in a bare-root tree is a process of carefully preparing the root system for planting. This involves trimming the roots, removing any damaged or diseased tissue, and placing the tree in a hole that is the correct size and depth.

To heel in a tree, you will need:

• A bare-root tree
• A shovel
• A bucket of water
• A pair of pruning shears
• A garden hose
• A tree stake

1. Prepare the tree.

• Remove the tree from the packaging.
• Inspect the roots for any damage or disease.
• Trim any damaged or diseased roots with pruning shears.
• Soak the roots in a bucket of water for several hours.

2. Dig the hole.

• The hole should be twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth as the root ball.
• The hole should be dug in a location that receives full sun.
• The hole should be located in well-drained soil.

3. Place the tree in the hole.

• Gently lower the tree into the hole.
• Make sure that the root ball is level with the surrounding soil.
• Backfill the hole with soil.

4. Tamp the soil down.

• Use your hands or a garden hose to tamp the soil down around the tree.
• This will help to remove any air pockets and create a tight fit around the roots.

5. Water the tree.

• Water the tree thoroughly until the soil is saturated.
• This will help to settle the soil around the roots and encourage new root growth.

6. Stake the tree.

• Drive a tree stake into the ground next to the tree.
• Tie the tree to the stake with a piece of soft cloth or garden twine.
• The tree should be tied loosely enough to allow for movement.

7. Care for the heeled-in tree.

• Water the tree regularly, especially during dry periods.
• Fertilize the tree according to the package directions.
• Prune the tree as needed to maintain a healthy shape.
• Protect the tree from pests and diseases.

By following these steps, you can help to ensure that your bare-root tree will establish itself quickly and grow into a healthy, mature tree.

Care for the Heeled-In Tree

Once you have heeled in your bare-root tree, it is important to care for it properly so that it can establish itself and grow into a healthy, mature tree.

Here are some tips for caring for a heeled-in tree:

• Water regularly. The most important thing you can do for your tree is to water it regularly. Make sure to water deeply, so that the water reaches the roots. Watering is especially important during dry periods.
• Fertilize. Fertilizing your tree will help it to grow strong and healthy. Apply a balanced fertilizer according to the package directions.
• Prune. Pruning your tree will help to maintain a healthy shape and size. Prune away any dead, diseased, or damaged branches.
• Protect from pests and diseases. Keep an eye out for pests and diseases that can damage your tree. If you see any signs of pests or diseases, treat them immediately.

By following these tips, you can help your heeled-in tree to establish itself and grow into a healthy, mature tree.

Heeling in a bare-root tree is a simple process that can help to ensure that your tree establishes itself quickly and grows into a healthy, mature tree. By following the steps in this guide, you can help your tree to thrive.

How do I heel in a bare root tree?

Heeling in is a technique used to protect bare root trees during the dormant season. It involves temporarily planting the tree in a shallow trench, with the roots covered in soil. This helps to protect the roots from drying out and damage from pests and diseases.

To heel in a bare root tree, you will need:

• A bare root tree
• A shovel
• A garden hose or watering can
• Soil

1. Dig a shallow trench that is wide enough to accommodate the roots of the tree. The trench should be about 12 inches deep.
2. Place the tree in the trench so that the roots are spread out.
3. Cover the roots with soil, leaving the top of the root ball exposed.
4. Water the tree thoroughly.
5. Mulch around the tree to help retain moisture and protect the roots from the sun.

How long should I heel in a bare root tree?

You should heel in a bare root tree for a maximum of two weeks. This will give the tree time to develop new roots before it is planted in its permanent location.

What if I need to heel in a bare root tree for longer than two weeks?

If you need to heel in a bare root tree for longer than two weeks, you will need to take steps to protect the roots from drying out. You can do this by:

• Watering the tree regularly.
• Mulching around the tree to help retain moisture.
• Covering the tree with a tarp or plastic sheet to protect it from the sun.

What if I don’t have time to heel in a bare root tree?

If you don’t have time to heel in a bare root tree, you can plant it directly in its permanent location. However, you will need to take extra care to water the tree regularly and protect it from pests and diseases.

What are the benefits of heeling in a bare root tree?

Heeling in a bare root tree has several benefits, including:

• It helps to protect the roots from drying out and damage.
• It allows the tree to develop new roots before it is planted in its permanent location.
• It helps to reduce transplant shock.

What are the risks of not heeling in a bare root tree?

If you do not heel in a bare root tree, there is a risk that the roots will dry out and the tree will die. Additionally, the tree may be more susceptible to pests and diseases.

How do I know if a bare root tree is healthy?

There are a few things you can look for to check if a bare root tree is healthy, including:

• The roots should be white and firm.
• The trunk should be straight and free of damage.
• The leaves should be green and healthy.

If you have any concerns about the health of a bare root tree, you should consult with a qualified arborist.

In this article, we have discussed how to heel in bare root trees. We have covered the following topics:

• What is a bare root tree?
• Why heel in bare root trees?
• How to heel in bare root trees?
• When to heel in bare root trees?
• What to do after heeling in bare root trees?

We hope that this article has been helpful and that you will now be able to heel in bare root trees with confidence.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

• Heeling in bare root trees helps to protect the roots from damage and helps the tree to establish itself more quickly.
• The best time to heel in bare root trees is in the fall or early spring.
• When heeling in bare root trees, make sure to dig a hole that is deep enough and wide enough for the roots.
• After heeling in bare root trees, water the tree thoroughly and mulch around the base of the tree.

By following these tips, you can help your bare root trees to thrive.