Salem Nursery

Bare-root planting uses dormant young trees that are dug and shipped without soil around the roots, usually deciduous fruit and nut trees. Because the trees are dormant, they transplant with little shock and establish new roots over winter to support spring growth. Bare-root stock is also cheaper to ship and handle than potted trees. It is a common, cost-effective way for California orchard growers to plant new blocks.

Bare-root season in California runs through the dormant winter months, roughly December into early spring. Nurseries dig trees in late fall after they drop their leaves and hold them in cold storage until planting. Selection is widest early in the season, when nurseries carry the most varieties. Planting during dormancy gives roots time to establish before the spring flush of growth.

Bare-root trees are sold dormant with no soil on the roots, while potted or containerized trees come with an established root ball in soil. Bare-root stock is less expensive, easier to transport, and limited to the dormant season, whereas potted trees can be planted across a longer window. Bare-root trees often establish quickly because the roots contact native soil directly. The right choice depends on planting timing and the species.

An agricultural nursery propagates and grows young plants, then supplies them as seedlings, transplants, or bare-root and potted trees to farms. Wholesale nurseries specialize in commercial varieties and rootstocks suited to a region, such as almond, walnut, and stone fruit trees for California growers. Many also offer cold storage, custom propagation, and guidance on variety and rootstock selection. This gives growers healthy, true-to-type stock to start a planting.