11/06/2025
🌳**“Why hasn’t my bare-root tree grown any leaves?!”**🌳
We hear this a lot around this time of year — and don’t worry, you’re not alone! If you planted a bare-root tree last autumn and it’s still standing there looking a bit… twiggy… you might be wondering if it’s dead.
Good news: it probably isn’t.
Bare-root trees spend their first year quietly establishing their root systems underground.
Leaf growth often takes a back seat while they settle in, especially if they were lifted and planted in autumn. Think of it like moving house — they’re unpacking their roots before they decorate the bedrooms.
🌱 Some reasons your tree might still be leafless:
• It’s busy growing roots first. Leaves come later!
• Some species (like oak, beech and walnut) are just naturally late to leaf out.
• Cold snaps, water stress, or transplant shock can delay leafing.
• The top growth may have died back, but new shoots might still pop up from lower down.
• It’s playing the long game – and that’s OK.
What to do?
✔️ Scratch a stem – if it’s green underneath, it’s still alive.
✔️ Be patient – some trees don’t leaf out until July!
✔️ Keep it watered (but not soggy) and mulched.
✔️ Don’t dig it up just yet – many late starters surprise us!
Let your trees take their time – they’re not being lazy, just cautious 💚
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If you’re unsure, pop a picture in the comments – we’re always happy to have a peek and give our best advice!
