How do I store Bare Root Plants and Trees?

When you open the package, you will see strips of damp paper around the bare-root plants and trees' roots. Make sure the paper remains damp, but avoid drenching it. Check the roots in the plastic bag occasionally to make sure that they are not drying out. You can add a damp paper towel to the root bag to assist in keeping the roots hydrated until ready to plant outdoors.

Wrap the bare-root plants and trees in the shipping plastic and store in a cool, dark place, like an unheated basement, cellar, garage or shed. It is ideal to store the tree or plants at a temperature of 40ºF, but anything under 60ºF should work for a short period of time. This method will help keep your bare-root plants and trees dormant so you can safely delay planting for up to a week.

If planting must be delayed for more than 10 days, then plant them in containers with fresh potting soil and place them indoors in a room that is 65 degrees or warmer and by a window with plenty of sunlight.