Planting · pollination · plant care

Growing guides

How to plant bare-root trees, which plants need a partner, and care guides for the trees and shrubs we sell.

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All guides

Quick answers

  • When do bare-root trees ship?Spring shipping runs March 15 to July 30, timed to your zone; fall shipping runs November 15 to March 15 (by zone) for Zones 6–10. See your dates.
  • How do I plant a bare-root tree?Soak the roots a few hours, dig a wide hole, set the root flare at ground level, backfill, water and mulch. Step-by-step guide.
  • Do I need two trees to get fruit or nuts?Many nut and some fruit plants do. Each plant page says so, and the pollination guide explains spacing.
  • What zone am I in?Enter your ZIP on the shop by zone page to see your USDA zone and the plants that grow there.

Common growing questions

What is a bare-root plant?

A bare-root plant is dug while dormant and shipped without a pot or soil around its roots. You plant it during your planting window and it leafs out a few weeks later. Why bare root works.

How long until a bare-root tree leafs out?

Often 4 to 6 weeks after planting, longer in a cold spring. Do the scratch test before worrying: green under the bark means it is alive.

Which plants do you have guides for?

Every plant we sell has a full profile on its product page, with zones, size, sun, soil, pollination and care, checked against university extension sources.

Can I plant in the fall?

Yes in Zones 6–10, where we ship November 15 to March 15 (by zone). Colder zones get spring shipping only.

Where are you planting?

We use your ZIP to show your USDA zone, exact ship dates, and whether a plant can ship to your state. We guess it from your connection; change it anytime.