Plants are grown by various production methods, such as bare-root, balled and burlapped, fabric container, and plastic container. 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.