Why Plant in March : The Rootball Advantage
The Benefits of Planting Rootball in March
March marks the beginning of the prime planting season in the UK, and for rootball hedging and trees, it's one of the most advantageous times to get plants in the ground. Here's why March planting delivers exceptional results for rootball specimens.
Spring Awakening Meets Root Development
March offers a unique window where soil temperatures are rising but plants haven't yet committed their energy to vigorous top growth. Rootball plants installed during this period can focus on what matters most: establishing a strong root system in their new location. The warming soil encourages active root growth, allowing the rootball to quickly integrate with the surrounding earth and begin drawing nutrients and moisture.
Moisture Without Waterlogging
After winter rainfall, March soil typically holds good moisture levels without the waterlogging risks of winter months. This balance is ideal for rootball establishment—plants have access to the water they need without sitting in saturated conditions that can stress roots. As drainage improves with rising temperatures, rootballs settle perfectly into their planting positions.
Minimal Transplant Stress
The mild, often humid conditions of March mean newly planted rootballs face minimal transplant shock. Unlike summer planting, where heat and dry conditions can stress plants before they're established, March's gentle climate gives rootballs time to acclimatize. Plants can focus energy on root development rather than survival, leading to stronger, healthier specimens.
A Head Start on the Growing Season
Rootball plants installed in March have several crucial weeks to establish before the main growing season begins in earnest. By the time April and May arrive with longer days and warmer temperatures, your hedging and trees already have a developing root system ready to support vigorous spring growth. This head start translates to:
- Fuller, denser growth in the first season
- Better resilience during summer dry spells
- Faster establishment compared to late-spring planting
- Reduced watering requirements once established
The Rootball Advantage in March
Rootball plants are particularly well-suited to March planting. Unlike bare-root stock (which must be planted while fully dormant), rootballs can be planted as growth begins, giving you flexibility. The intact root system and soil ball mean less root disturbance, faster establishment, and immediate access to the plant's existing root network.
Practical March Planting Tips
To maximize success with March rootball planting:
- Choose a day when soil is moist but workable, not frozen or waterlogged
- Dig a hole 1.5 times the width of the rootball
- Position the rootball so the top sits level with the surrounding soil
- Backfill with native soil, firming gently to eliminate air pockets
- Apply a 5-7cm layer of mulch around the base (keeping it away from the stem)
- Water thoroughly after planting, then monitor moisture levels weekly
- Stake taller specimens to prevent wind rock
The Bottom Line
March planting gives rootball hedging and trees the perfect conditions to establish quickly and thrive. With warming soil, adequate moisture, and weeks of establishment time before peak growing season, your plants will develop the robust root systems needed for years of healthy, vigorous growth.