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Container vs. bareroot stock: which should I buy?
show all tree selection questionsWe sell container and bareroot stock types. In many instances, we offer both container seedlings and bareroot seedlings for the same species. This chart outlines the differences between the two and should help you decide which is the best choice for you.
Container | Bareroot | |
---|---|---|
Roots | Roots confined to a soil "plug" | Naturally developed roots (with the dirt removed for storage and shipping) |
Size | smaller | larger |
Cost | cheaper | more expensive |
How it was grown | Greenhouse-grown and generally one year old but sometimes two years old | Most often greenhouse-grown for its first year and then transplanted to bareroot fields |
Ease of handling and planting | Small, confined roots make handling and planting easy | Being a larger tree with unconfined roots, these seedlings require careful handling and more effort to plant |
Risk of Damage before planting | The soil plug surrounding the roots protects container seedlings from drying out or being damaged by casual handling | Dry out quickly and easily stressed before planting |
Still unsure?
If you have any questions about our stock types or if you are unsure of which is best for you, call us toll-free at 1-844-873-3700 or send an email to sales@treetime.ca.
Related Questions:
- What are plant hardiness zones?
- What size trees should I buy?
- Premium vs. standard stock types: which should I buy?
- What species are safe to plant near my house?
This question has the following tag: selecting the right trees
What will you find at TreeTime.ca?
A huge assortment of trees, shrubs, and berry seedlings at prices garden centers, tree farms, and plant nurseries just can't match.
Don't know where to start?
Read our how to order page.