If you’ve ever bought a young tree that came packed in a bundle without soil around its roots, you’ve seen a bare root sapling. Unlike container-grown trees, which are shipped in pots filled with soil, bare root saplings are harvested from the ground while dormant, their roots carefully cleaned of excess soil, and then stored or shipped in a cool, moist environment until planting.

At Little Tree Farm in Nova Scotia, we work extensively with bare root trees because they are:

Lightweight and easy to transport (you can carry a bundle of 25 young trees without breaking a sweat).
Efficient for large-scale planting projects like reforestation, food forests, and hedgerows.
Affordable for customers, since you aren’t paying for soil or plastic pots.

Bare root trees are typically sold dormant in early spring or late fall, when the plant is “asleep” and less likely to suffer transplant shock. This narrow window makes them special — they’re not available year-round like container trees, but when handled correctly, they establish faster and often outgrow their potted counterparts in just a few years.

Common Species Sold as Bare Root

At Little Tree Farm, we supply a wide variety of bare root saplings that thrive in Canadian conditions:

Fruit trees
Nut trees such as hazelnuts, black walnuts, and butternuts.
Native hardwoods like red oak, sugar maple, and white ash for woodlots or restoration projects.
Berry shrubs including currants, gooseberries, elderberries, and jostaberries.

“Last season, we shipped over 4000 bare root currants to local growers, and every bundle was packed in moist sawdust to keep the roots alive until planting.”

Advantages of Bare Root Saplings

When it comes to planting, bare root saplings offer several clear advantages over container-grown or balled-and-burlapped (B&B) trees. Whether you’re planting an orchard, starting a food forest, or restoring a piece of land in Nova Scotia, bare root stock is often the most efficient and successful choice.

1. Cost-Effective

Bare root saplings are typically more affordable because you aren’t paying for soil, pots, or heavy shipping costs. A single box can hold dozens of trees, making them ideal for large plantings.

👉 At Little Tree Farm, we’ve supplied restoration projects with thousands of bare root seedlings at a fraction of the cost of containerized stock, allowing organizations to stretch their budgets further while planting more trees.

2. Easier Handling & Shipping

Because bare root trees are lightweight and compact, they’re much easier to move around. You can carry bundles of saplings in the field without needing heavy equipment.

👉 On our farm, a single person can carry 150 bare root trees to a planting site with ease — something that would be nearly impossible with potted trees of the same age.

3. Stronger Root Development

Bare root trees often establish healthier root systems once planted. Without being confined to a pot, their roots spread naturally into the surrounding soil, reducing the risk of circling or girdling roots.

👉 We’ve seen this first-hand with hazelnuts: bare root hazelnut saplings planted in April often outgrow their potted counterparts by mid-summer, simply because their roots adjust more naturally to the soil.

4. Adaptability to Local Soil

Bare root trees are more adaptable to different soil types and conditions because they don’t bring in foreign soil from pots. This reduces transplant stress and makes them better suited to local environments.

👉 In our part of Nova Scotia, where clay soils can be challenging, bare root sugar maples and red oaks adapt quickly, sending roots deep rather than staying confined like some container-grown stock.

5. Environmentally Friendly

Bare root planting is also the eco-friendly choice. With no plastic pots and less soil to ship, the environmental footprint is reduced. Large orders can be bundled and shipped with minimal packaging.

👉 Every spring, we ship thousands of bare root currants and elderberries in cardboard boxes and packing materials, which keeps waste low for both our customers and the farm.

Challenges & Limitations of Bare Root Saplings

While bare root saplings offer many benefits, they also come with a few important challenges that gardeners and growers need to keep in mind. Being upfront about these limitations helps ensure you choose the right plants and care for them properly.

1. Limited Planting Window

Bare root trees must be planted while dormant — usually in early spring or late fall. This short window can feel restrictive, especially for new growers used to buying potted plants at garden centers year-round.

👉 At Little Tree Farm, we typically ship bare root trees in April, just as the ground in Nova Scotia becomes workable. We emphasize to our customers that planting must happen quickly — waiting until late May or June risks poor survival rates.

2. Need for Proper Storage

Until planting day, bare root saplings must be stored cool, dark, and moist. If roots dry out, the tree may not survive. This means you need to be ready with storage solutions like a shaded trench, damp sawdust, or a cold garage.

3. Higher Risk of Transplant Shock

Because bare root trees have no soil buffer around their roots, they can be more vulnerable to transplant shock if handled incorrectly. Poor planting depth, dry roots, or compacted soil can all reduce survival rates.

👉 We’ve seen this when customers leave saplings unplanted for a week in warm weather. That’s why we encourage planting the same day they arrive, or at most within a few days if properly stored.

4. Not All Species Are Suitable

Certain plants simply don’t transplant well bare root. Evergreens, for example, are far less tolerant than deciduous trees and shrubs. Similarly, larger caliper trees (over 2” diameter) are often sold balled-and-burlapped instead of bare root to reduce risk.

Aftercare & Survival Tips

Planting a bare root sapling is just the first step. The real success comes from the care you give it in the crucial first year. With proper aftercare, bare root trees can establish quickly and grow vigorously for decades.

1. Watering Schedule

Bare root trees need consistent moisture until their roots are fully established.

Water deeply once or twice a week during the first growing season, especially in dry periods.
Avoid light, frequent watering — deep soaks encourage roots to grow down rather than staying near the surface.

(On our farm, we’ve noticed that young nut trees respond best to slow, deep watering rather than quick daily splashes.)

2. Mulching for Protection

Apply a 2–4 inch layer of mulch around the base of the sapling, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk. Mulch helps conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and protect roots from temperature swings.

Pro tip: Wood chips, shredded bark, or straw all work well — but avoid piling mulch directly against the stem, which can cause rot.

3. Guarding Against Wildlife

Young saplings are a magnet for deer, rabbits, and rodents. Protect them with:

Tree guards or mesh wraps.
Temporary fencing for larger plantings.

Even a single nibble on the bark can set a young tree back significantly.

4. Monitoring Growth

Check your trees regularly throughout the season. Look for:

Bud break and leaf growth (a sign of healthy establishment).
Signs of stress such as wilting, yellowing, or insect damage.
Soil settling — if the tree looks too deep or shallow, adjust early.

5. First-Year Care Priorities

The first year should focus on establishment, not production. Avoid heavy pruning or fertilizing until the tree is settled. Instead, give it steady care and protection.

(For example, we advise customers not to expect fruit from bare currants for at least 2 years, but a strong start in year one sets the foundation for decades of productivity.)

Bare Root vs. Potted Trees

When choosing between bare root saplings and potted trees, it helps to compare the two side by side. Each has its strengths, but for many growers, bare root is the smarter long-term choice.

Feature	Bare Root Saplings	Potted Trees
Cost	Lower (no soil, pots, or heavy shipping)	Higher (soil, pots, storage, and shipping included)
Availability	Seasonal (spring & fall only)	Year-round in garden centers
Root Development	Natural, unrestricted root growth	Risk of circling/girdling roots in pots
Transport	Lightweight, easy to handle in bundles	Heavy and bulky, fewer per shipment
Planting Window	Must be planted while dormant	More flexibility on timing
Establishment	Fast — adapts well to local soil	Slower to adapt, may take longer to root out
Survival Risk	Higher if not planted/stored correctly	More forgiving if delayed
Environmental Impact	Lower (less plastic, lighter shipping)	Higher (plastic pots, heavier shipping footprint)

Key Takeaways

Choose bare root if you want cost savings, natural root growth, and are prepared to plant during the dormant season.
Choose potted trees if you prefer planting flexibility, don’t mind higher costs, or want to see foliage before you buy.

(At Little Tree Farm, we focus on bare root trees because they’re better suited for large plantings, orchards, and food forests in Nova Scotia. For small home projects, we sometimes recommend mixing both — bare root for affordability, potted for convenience.)

Frequently Asked Questions About Bare Root Saplings

1. When is the best time to plant bare root saplings?

The best time to plant bare root trees is early spring (as soon as the soil can be worked) or late fall after leaf drop. Planting during these dormant periods reduces transplant shock and gives the roots time to establish before the growing season begins.

(In Nova Scotia, we recommend planting in April or late October, depending on the species.)

2. How long can bare root saplings survive before planting?

If stored correctly, bare root trees can survive for 1–2 weeks before planting. They should be kept cool, dark, and with roots moist (in damp sawdust, peat, or wrapped in wet burlap). However, the sooner they are planted, the better the survival rate.

3. Do bare root saplings grow as well as potted trees?

Yes — and often better. Once established, bare root trees usually outpace potted ones because their roots spread naturally without the restriction of pot walls. The key is correct planting and aftercare in the first year.

4. What species are available as bare root?

Most deciduous fruit trees, nut trees, berry bushes, and native hardwoods can be purchased bare root. Popular options include:

Apples, pears, plums, and cherries
Hazelnuts, walnuts, and butternuts
Currants, gooseberries, elderberries, and jostaberries
Maples, oaks, and ash trees

5. Can I order bare root trees online?

Yes. Many nurseries — including Little Tree Farm — ship bare root trees directly to your door. They are carefully packed to keep roots moist during transit.

6. Do bare root trees need to be soaked before planting?

It’s recommended to soak the roots in water for a few hours before planting. This rehydrates the roots and gives the tree a strong start. Avoid leaving them in water for more than 24 hours.

7. What’s the difference between bare root, balled-and-burlapped (B&B), and container trees?

Bare root: No soil, shipped dormant, lightweight, and affordable.
B&B: Roots wrapped in burlap with a soil ball, heavier, used for larger trees.
Container-grown: Sold in pots, flexible planting time, but heavier and more costly.

8. How long does it take for a bare root tree to bear fruit?

It depends on the species. Most fruit trees take 2–4 years after planting to produce their first crops. Nut trees may take longer — hazelnuts around 4–6 years, walnuts closer to 8–10.

9. Do bare root saplings need staking?

Not always. Staking is useful if the site is windy, if the tree is tall relative to its roots, or if soil conditions are loose. Otherwise, letting the tree sway naturally often leads to a stronger trunk.

10. How do I know if my bare root tree has survived planting?

Signs of survival include:

Buds swelling and leaves emerging in spring.
Flexible stems (not brittle).
White, moist tissue under the bark when scratched lightly with a fingernail.

(If buds haven’t opened by late spring, scratch-test the bark before assuming the tree is dead.)

Where to Buy Bare Root Saplings in Canada

Finding quality bare root saplings in Canada can sometimes feel like a challenge, especially if you’re looking for varieties beyond the standard apple or maple. The good news is that there are reliable nurseries across the country that specialize in bare root fruit trees, nut trees, and native species.

What to Look for in a Nursery

When choosing where to buy, consider:

Species Selection: Does the nursery offer a wide range of fruit, nut, and native trees?
Cold-Hardy Stock: In Canada, winter hardiness is essential. Look for trees specifically grown or trialed in northern climates.
Shipping Practices: Bare root trees need to be packed with care, often in damp sawdust or peat, to arrive in good condition.
Knowledge & Support: A nursery that offers advice on planting and aftercare sets you up for success.

Buying From Little Tree Farm (Nova Scotia)

At Little Tree Farm, we specialize in growing and shipping bare root saplings across Nova Scotia and beyond. Our focus is on plants that thrive in Canadian conditions:

Fruit Trees
Nut Trees: Hazelnut, black walnut, butternut, and pecan.
Berry Shrubs: Currants, gooseberries, elderberries, jostaberries, and haskap.
Native Trees: Red oak, sugar maple, white ash, serviceberry, and more.

Each spring and fall, we carefully lift trees from the field while dormant, pack them to keep roots moist, and ship them directly to customers.

(For example: A restoration project in Nova Scotia recently sourced over 3,000 bare root shrubs from our farm — demonstrating just how effective bare root planting can be at scale.)

Supporting Local and Sustainable Growing

By purchasing bare root saplings from Canadian nurseries like Little Tree Farm, you’re not only getting hardy, region-appropriate plants — you’re also supporting local growers who understand the challenges of our climate.

👉 Looking for bare root saplings in Canada? [Browse Little Tree Farm’s selection ➝]

Conclusion – Why Bare Root Saplings Are Worth Planting

Bare root saplings may look simple — just roots and stems without a pot of soil — but they’re one of the most effective, affordable, and environmentally friendly ways to plant trees. From fruit and nut orchards to food forests and native restoration projects, bare root stock consistently proves its value with strong root development, easier handling, and lower costs.

Yes, they require a bit more planning — you have to plant during the dormant season and handle roots with care — but the rewards are long-lasting. With proper planting and aftercare, bare root trees can grow into thriving orchards, productive nut groves, or resilient native woodlots that benefit generations to come.

At Little Tree Farm in Nova Scotia, we’ve seen firsthand how successful bare root planting can be. Each spring, we ship thousands of saplings to homesteaders, farmers, and restoration crews across the region. Whether you’re starting small with a few berry bushes or planning a large-scale planting, bare root trees are often the smartest way to grow.

👉 Ready to start your own planting project? Explore our selection of bare root fruit trees, nut trees, and native shrubs to find the right fit for your land. [Browse our trees here ➝]