Which method of tree transportation is usually limited to dormant species?

• A. Bare rooted
• B. Balled and burlap
• C. Open bed truck
• D. Container grown

Answer: (A)

Transplanting stock in a bare-root form is typically limited to dormant trees because the roots are exposed and there are no leaves to drive high water loss. When a tree is dormant, its metabolic activity, including transpiration from the foliage, is very low, so the roots can survive being out of soil for a period and during transport without suffering severe desiccation. The lack of soil around the roots also means the roots can dry out quickly if handled while the tree is actively growing, making recovery harder after planting.

Root balls or containers protect the root system differently. Balled-and-burlapped stock carries a soil root ball that buffers moisture loss and damage, so these can be moved with the tree in a broader range of conditions—even if not fully dormant. Container-grown trees stay in a pot with growing media, which supports ongoing moisture and nutrient exchange, so they are not restricted to dormancy for transport. Open-bed trucks describe a transport method rather than a root system type and can be used for various stock forms.