Best Bare Root Outdoor Trees of 2026

Toby Butcher Avatar
Toby Butcher
Last Updated: 5 Feb 2026

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Bare root outdoor trees are a great addition to any garden or outdoor space. These trees are sold without soil or a pot, allowing for easier transportation and planting. They come in a variety of sizes and species, including fruit trees, ornamental trees, and evergreens. Bare root trees are typically less expensive than potted trees and have a higher success rate when planted correctly. They also have a better chance of establishing a strong root system, which can result in healthier and more stable trees in the long run.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Apple Braeburn Bare Root Fruit Tree by YouGarden Cover #TOP 1
Apple Braeburn Bare Root Fruit Tree by YouGarden
ftb score rating icon 9.9
10 Nordmann Field Grown Xmas Trees Cover #TOP 2
10 Nordmann Field Grown Xmas Trees
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Thompson & Morgan Red Cracker Hazel Tree Cover #TOP 3
Thompson & Morgan Red Cracker Hazel Tree
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 6 Bare Root Outdoor Trees

Apple Braeburn Bare Root Fruit Tree by YouGarden

3_300001
White
1.4 m Tall
Apple Braeburn Bare Root Fruit Tree by YouGarden Cover
Apple Braeburn Bare Root Fruit Tree

The Apple Braeburn Tree is a fantastic choice for your garden, being the UK’s most popular eating apple variety. You’ll enjoy fresh, tasty apples ready to pick by mid-October each year, perfect for home use. As it is self-fertile, you don’t need to worry about planting another tree for pollination, making it easy to grow. Supplied as a 1.5m tall, multi-branched bare root tree, it’s ready to flourish in your outdoor space and will grow to around 2 metres over time.

What We Like
Popular UK apple variety
Fruit ready by mid-October
Self-fertile, no pollinator needed
Supplied as multi-branched tree
Dwarfing root stock for smaller size
#TOP 2

10 Nordmann Field Grown Xmas Trees

Farm and Garden
Green
10 Nordmann Field Grown Xmas Trees Cover
10 Nordmann Xmas Tree Field Grown Bare Root 15-25cm Tree Whip Plants

The Nordmann Xmas Trees are certified Grade A plants, ensuring you receive high-quality, field-grown specimens. These non-drop trees stand between 15 to 25cm tall, making them perfect for both indoor and outdoor displays. Their bare root design allows for easier planting and establishment in your garden. You will appreciate the lush greenery and longevity these trees offer, creating a festive atmosphere that lasts throughout the holiday season.

What We Like
High-quality Grade A plants
Non-drop for longer display
Easy to plant bare root
Perfect size for various settings
#TOP 3

Thompson & Morgan Red Cracker Hazel Tree

Red,White,Yellow
bare root
Thompson & Morgan Red Cracker Hazel Tree Cover
Thompson & Morgan Hardy Hazelnut Tree ‘Red Cracker’ Variety, Bare Root Plant, Self-Fertile, Ideal for Woodland Gardens, Patios and Containers

The Thompson & Morgan Red Cracker is a striking hazelnut tree perfect for adding colour and interest to your garden. Its dark red leaves and red husks provide a bold and attractive display in spring, making your outdoor space stand out. You’ll also enjoy winter interest as the tree is covered with yellow catkins, bringing life to the colder months. Supplied as a bare root plant, this variety is self-fertile and suitable for woodland gardens, patios, or containers, offering versatility and ease of planting.

What We Like
Attractive dark red leaves
Bright yellow winter catkins
Self-fertile variety
Suitable for patios and containers
Bare root for easy planting
#TOP 4

Plant Theory 1.2m Pear Williams' Bon Chrétien Tree

Green,White
1.2m
Plant Theory 1.2m Pear Williams' Bon Chrétien Tree Cover
Plant Theory 1.2m Pear Williams' Bon Chrétien Outdoor Fruit Tree Bare Root QA Rootstock

The Plant Theory Pear Tree allows you to enjoy sustainable, fresh fruit harvests year after year. You will relish the juicy pears for snacks and recipes, while the beautiful spring blossoms enhance your garden's aesthetic. This tree also offers cost savings, as fewer store-bought fruits will be needed due to your abundant harvests. Additionally, gardening has therapeutic benefits, reducing stress and boosting your mood as you care for your tree.

What We Like
Delicious, juicy pears
Saves money on fruit
Enhances garden beauty
Supports local wildlife
Boosts mental wellbeing
#TOP 5

Primrose 1.2m Kanzan Cherry Blossom Tree

Green,Pink,Red
1.2m
Primrose 1.2m Kanzan Cherry Blossom Tree Cover
Plant Theory 1.2m Kanzan Flowering Cherry Blossom Tree Prunus Bare Root

The Primrose Cherry Blossom Tree is a stunning addition to any garden, offering spectacular spring blooms that range from delicate pinks to bright whites. These blossoms not only enhance the beauty of your space but also symbolise renewal and vitality. By planting this tree, you contribute to a healthier ecosystem, as it purifies the air, combats soil erosion, and provides shade for wildlife. Additionally, being surrounded by such beauty can lower your stress levels, creating a serene retreat for relaxation and promoting a more active lifestyle.

What We Like
Beautiful spring blooms
Enhances garden ecosystem
Promotes health and well-being
UK-grown quality plants

Malus John Downie Crab Apple Tree

Orange,Pink,White
Malus John Downie Crab Apple Tree Cover
Hardy Garden Tree Crab Apple, Wildlife Friendly, White Blossom in Spring, High Yielding, Tree for Small Gardens, 1 x Malus John Downie Bare Root Tree by Thompson & Morgan

The John Downie Crab Apple is a hardy, compact tree perfect for small gardens. Its stunning white blossoms in spring attract pollinators, enhancing your garden's biodiversity. In autumn, you can enjoy high yields of bright orange crab apples, which not only beautify your space but also provide food for local wildlife like birds and hedgehogs. This tree thrives in sunny spots, adding vibrant colour and structure to your garden all year round. Plus, the crab apples can be used to make delicious jelly, offering a tasty treat for you and your family.

What We Like
Wildlife friendly
High autumn yields
Attractive spring blossoms
Good for small gardens
Produces crab apple jelly
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When should I buy bare root trees?

Bare-rooted plants are available in winter - June, July and August. After August it's too late because they start to shoot and then transplanting becomes a problem. Graham recommends pruning at planting time.

2. Are Bare root trees worth it?

Better Performance – Bare-root trees frequently take off more quickly than containerized ones because roots aren't transitioning from container soil to local soil. Bare-root trees are planted during dormancy, which gives them weeks of root growth that spring-planted container trees lack.

3. How long does it take for a bare root tree to start growing?

It can take up to six weeks for a bare root tree to put out its first flush of leaves. So, if you planted in early spring, expect to see the first signs of growth by summer.

4. Do Bare root trees need to be planted immediately?

Bareroot plants are sold in spring and must be planted as soon as possible after purchase. Proper planting is critical to their survival and long-term success. Note that bareroot plants are slow to "wake up." Expect to wait four to six weeks after planting until you see signs of growth.

Editor's Notes

During our bare root outdoor tree research, we found 24 bare root outdoor tree products and shortlisted 6 quality products. We collected and analyzed 11,302 customer reviews through our big data system to write the bare root outdoor trees list. We found that most customers choose bare root outdoor trees with an average price of £21.99.

The bare root outdoor trees are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of bare root outdoor trees, including YouGarden, Farm and Garden, Thompson & Morgan, Plant theory, Primrose.

Written by
Toby Butcher Avatar

Toby Butcher is a Horticulturist, and he earned his title as a Master Gardener in 2016. Toby has acquired a 25-year experience as a home gardener planting, designing, grooming vegetables and flowers. He is the leader of a plant group in Durham. Toby owns a blog where he publishes articles on growing and growing your flowers at home, in a vase, or in a garden.