Bare root tree

[Deleted]

I have bought a bare root Bramley apple tree approx 6' and two years old, I won't be able to plant it for about three weeks, how can I take care of it until then

Pete.

[Deleted]

What matters, pandj, is that the roots you can see and the root hairs you can't see don't dry out...

So put it in a pot of very slightly damp soil and keep in a cool place.

If that's not practical wrap roots in very slightly damp newspaper, and keep in a cool place. It's desirable that the buds don't burst until planted outside - if they haven't already - so low light conditions are good...

[Elkay]

I'd have said 'heel' it in gently somewhere that's been lightly dug over - would that have been the wrong thing to do, annon?

[Deleted]

No, not at all, Elkay, that's good to - except we can't control outside conditions - too wet/cold - so the poor little tree may end up wondering whether it's on foot or horseback...

Also we don't know how healthy/looked after the tree is, so I'm inclined to want to put it into 'intensive care' to be on the safe side...

[Deleted]

Thanks folks.

Intensive care it will be

The tree is in very good packaging, a full length box about 14" square, I think I can actualy fit a pot into the box so I can plant it and replace in the box. It will be stored in an unheated conservatory.

Hopefully not for more than a few weeks.