Selecting Storage Areas
When repurposing any room used to store picked fruit, it is critical that the room is at least aired out for several days and should even be washed down and fumigated to make sure there is no cross-contamination with ethylene gases or other treatment materials as those will damage or even kill the trees.
Storing Bareroot Trees
Bareroot trees kept in low temperatures and high humidity will hold for several months until you are ready to plant.
How to Store Bareroot Trees
- Keep in a Clean Area: Ensure a clean area with proper temperatures and adequate humidity
- Remove Leaves, if Stored Lying Down: If the trees are stored laying down on pallets, make sure they are free of leaves which can cause rot issues.
- Store Upright for Long Durations: If trees will be in storage for several months, they should be transferred to an upright storage position with sawdust in a bin. This will keep the trees from running out of carbohydrates in storage or shortly after planting.
Storing Dormant Potted Trees
Store potted trees in plastic bags to help the soil retain moisture.
Make sure you store them out of the direct sun or wind and protect them from freezing or drying out.
How to Store Potted Trees
Dormant Potted Trees
Water needs:
- Water Upon Arrival: Please water down completely upon arrival and get them into cold storage making sure you can access them with water once or twice a week or as needed. These will hold for several weeks in storage.
- Monitor Water Conditions Regularly: Monitor water conditions in the pots themselves by inserting a finger down into the center of the pot to make sure they are well watered.
DO NOT let them dry out for any period of time.
Storing Green Growing Potted Trees
Green growing potted trees need water, protection from direct sun and wind as soon as possible.
An open dock, shady backside of a building, or a tarp hung between posts will all work, but keep a close on their water needs.
Green Growing Potted Trees
Water needs:
- Water Upon Arrival: Even more critically than the dormant potted trees, the green growing trees are respiring and need water immediately and very regularly.
- Keep From Freezing: It is also critical that these are kept out of freezing weather or cold storage rooms as they are vulnerable to cool weather. If these cannot be stored in an area protected from the sun or wind, then place them in the open with impact sprinklers overlapping them to keep them moist. This can happen for days as needed, but it is best to get them planted ASAP.
