Autumn is prime planting season, and many deciduous trees and shrubs are available as bare root specimens—roots without soil, unlike container-grown plants. Bare root options offer a significantly lower price per plant size, though selection is limited and their market window is brief. To boost recovery and rooting success, apply a traditional bare root pralinage.
As an experienced gardener, I recommend pralinage for any bare root tree or shrub: coat the roots in a protective mud mixture of clay soil and cow dung. Without local cattle, I substitute with sheep manure. In a wheelbarrow, combine two shovelfuls each of sheep manure and garden soil. Add rainwater and mix thoroughly into a smooth paste.
Once you have a thick, porridge-like consistency, trim the root tips with sharp pruners for clean cuts that promote healing. Coat the roots generously, allow to dry slightly, then plant promptly.
This technique prevents root desiccation while the manure-soil blend encourages new root growth. Note: it's a cured mixture, not fresh manure, which could harm roots.
Garden centers sell ready-to-use pralinage paste—less odorous but pricier. Follow package instructions and apply similarly.
Finally, dig a generous planting hole...
My video explanations
