How to keep a bare root tree alive?

Hi, I've just had a 7' Rowan tree delivered that I ordered off the internet about a week ago.

It arrived wrapped in plastic clingfilm and i've now unwrapped it and put the root end in a bucket and it's currently standing in my utillity room.

I wont be in a possition to plant it for about another week or 2 so how can I store it over that time.

Also, is there any danger in planting such a tree in the present snow covered conditions?

Please forgive my stupidness in this matter but I'm new to winter gardening anf trees.

Chris

 

You need to keep it dormant until you are able to plant it properly. Normally you would just find a bit of spare ground and plant it (heeling in) just covering the roots.

Given the weather we have now I would and the ground being frozen I would, as Marley says, buy a bag of compost and plant it either in a big pot or just empty the compost out of the bag and re-use the bag. I would also wrap the pot in cardboard or whatever you have that is free - just to keep out the worst of the frost. Then leave it outside. Do not water

Trees are pretty resilent

 

Good advice above. Don't forget to provide it with a really secure stake when you do plant it outside. Some of the strongest winds can catch us out at the very end of winter.

 

Thanks for the advice everyone.

I braved the snow yesterday and planted it. the ground was frozen solid for the first 2 inches or so. So i went down nice and deep and added some erecacious compost and a sprinkle of bonemeal.

I also got 3 Silver Birch and 3 Bird Cherry trees delivered yesterday, so I'll probably but them in pots for the next few weeks til I can get out there properly.

Thanks again for the advice.

Chris