Some large landscape trees are mechanically dug with a tree spade and placed in wire baskets. Each of these harvesting and growing techniques is acceptable but requires a specific planting and management technique. Planting dates and specific-site environmental conditions for each method will determine the water and nutrient efficiency. Advantages of planting bare-root plants are mostly economical. Plants are less expensive to produce because of the ease of harvesting, storing and shipping.
Many deciduous species respond well to bare-root harvesting.
A greater portion of roots are retained after harvesting, and roots are easily inspected at planting time. Damaged roots can be trimmed and girdling roots can be removed before planting. Bare-root plants should be planted while they are completely dormant. The American Standard for Nursery Stock is the acceptable, standardized formula for sizing root balls. The amount of roots harvested depends on soil type, irrigation practices, and root pruning during the production period.