Potted vs Bare Root Fruit Trees And Bushes

[MarkHackwell]

So I am possibly looking to buy some fruit trees and bushes, but what would people recommend, Bare Root or 2L/5L Potted trees/bushes?

[SarrissUK]

I prefer bareroot, as they tend to have a healthy root system that you can clearly see. Too many times have I bought decorative trees that have died, and when I have shaken off all the soil there's not enough root to support it.
Bareroot tends to be cheaper too, especially if you order for delivery.

[Scarlet]

You won't get much choice now though withbare root as the season is nearly over.
If you aren't in a hurry, choose now and order bare root trees for next years delivery?
Pots are more expensive thN bare root.
Fruit bushes I've just always had pots.

[nickdub]

Its generally a cost issue - bare root tend to be about a quarter of the price of pot grown ones - of course timing comes in to it too as you can only successfully do bare root trees when they are dormant, whereas pot grown ones can be got at any time.

You may be able to get a wider range of varieties bare root too - but I'm a rather out of touch on this these days.

[Squingy]

Something to bear in mind MH, say you purchase a potted tree. If you have clay soil and you dig a hole and put your potted tree in, or say you dig a bigger hole, fill it with compost then put your tree in, water starts to collect in the compost above the clay, as it isn't as well draining. Over time this isn't good for your tree.
If you do a potted tree check your soil/compost difference. Same if u do a bare root and want to plant in a compost filled hole in clay.

I've done potted and bare root some lived some died I haven't seen any difference because of it.
(I'm no expert gardener BTW.) Good luck.

[It never rains..it pours]

From my last 2 years experience, think there isnt much difference either way but I do add some root grow on the bare root ones. If on damp clay would plant on a small hill, they seem to do better then, also as soil improvers (compost, etc) is used dont end up with then in a hole in a few years. One golden rule I seem to see alot is never plant trees deeper than they were before, bushes are different in some cases

[Scarlet]

Something to bear in mind MH, say you purchase a potted tree. If you have clay soil and you dig a hole and put your potted tree in, or say you dig a bigger hole, fill it with compost then put your tree in, water starts to collect in the compost above the clay, as it isn't as well draining. Over time this isn't good for your tree.
If you do a potted tree check your soil/compost difference. Same if u do a bare root and want to plant in a compost filled hole in clay.

I'm on heavy clay - I don't get those problems?