Most water absorption capability within a transplanted root-ball results from very small diameter roots. These fragile roots are the first to suffer from excess water loss in newly transplanted landscape plants. Landscape contractors and home gardeners can choose from a wide variety of plant material in the Houston area. Plants are grown by various production methods, e.g. bare-root, balled and burlapped, fabric container and plastic container. 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 species respond well to bare-root harvesting. A greater portion and longer 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. Thus, the plant goes through limited transplant shock if given adequate follow-up care.