It's Time to Bare All! 

According to Dr. Douglas F. Welsh, a professor and extension horticulturist at Texas A&M University, all bare root plants, including roses and pecan and fruit trees, should be planted in late winter when they are completely dormant. 

Bare root fruit trees are dormant trees that are dug up and stored in cold storage without soil around the roots. The trees weigh less, which is beneficial when shipping. Once planted in the ground, the fruit trees will start to grow when watered. 

When planting a bare root fruit tree at home, consider variety selection. In order to set fruit, most trees require a minimum number of hours of temperatures within the range of 32° to 45° F. This temperature range is called "chill hour requirement," and may vary widely for varieties within a given fruit class. Be sure that the trees receive adequate moisture during the growing season. 

Check with your local extension agent to find out which variety grows best in your county, or to determine chill hour requirements. Contact theTexas AgriLife Extension Service to find an agent near you, and visitwww.gotexan.org to find a nursery in your area.