Alan Titchmarsh, one of Britain’s most beloved gardening experts and television presenters, is sounding the alarm for green-fingered enthusiasts this winter. His message? Beware the hidden dangers of bare-root planting—a time-honored technique that, if done hastily, can lead to years of disappointment. For those who dream of transforming their gardens overnight, Titchmarsh’s advice is both a reality check and a guiding light.
Bare-root planting, as Titchmarsh explains, is the practice of uprooting trees or shrubs during the winter months and relocating them to a new spot, all without a clump of soil attached to their roots. This method, which was hugely popular throughout the 20th century, allowed trees to be lifted in autumn and transplanted elsewhere. Its appeal is clear: bare-root trees are significantly cheaper than their pot-grown counterparts and generally require less maintenance, making them a cost-effective choice for gardeners looking to stretch their budgets. According to Titchmarsh, "bare-root trees typically require less maintenance compared to their pot-grown counterparts, ultimately benefiting the buyer economically." (Country Life)
But as with many things in life, there’s a catch. The very qualities that make bare-root planting attractive can also be its downfall—especially for those who crave instant results. Titchmarsh has observed a common pitfall among gardeners: impatience. In his column for Country Life, he wrote, "Too often gardeners are impatient: they want a tree that looks mature as soon as possible and, consequently, they will buy as large a specimen as they can afford." The logic seems sound—bigger tree, bigger impact. But, as Titchmarsh warns, "the larger the tree, the more sustenance it needs to draw up from its roots. If the root system has been reduced in size—as it must be when a tree is transplanted from open ground—then a large tree with many branches to support will struggle to establish itself and may take many years to get over the shock." (Country Life)
For those less familiar with the science of transplanting, here’s the crux of the issue: when a tree is lifted from its original spot, a significant portion of its roots are inevitably left behind. The bigger the tree, the more extensive its root system—and the more roots it loses during the move. This reduced network means the tree can struggle to take up enough water and nutrients in its new home, leading to a lengthy and sometimes perilous recovery. It’s a bit like trying to run a marathon on half a breakfast; the energy just isn’t there.
So, what’s a gardener to do? Titchmarsh’s advice is both practical and rooted in decades of experience. The optimal time for bare-root planting, he says, is during the dormant season—specifically from November to March. During this period, while the top growth of the tree may appear lifeless and twiggy, the roots are quietly getting to work, establishing themselves beneath the soil. As the Gardeners’ World website explains, "Planting them in the dormant season means that they should establish well—while the top growth may be brown and twiggy, the roots are busy establishing beneath."
There’s also good news for those who favor certain species. Titchmarsh and other experts recommend hawthorn, fruit trees, ornamental trees, birch, and beech as prime candidates for bare-root planting. These varieties tend to handle the transition well, provided they’re treated with care. In a video on the Gardeners’ World website, Titchmarsh describes young trees as "resilient," noting, "They are in a way sleeping and if we don't wake them up too much...they don't mind being moved at that time of year, even when they're dug up." It’s a comforting image—trees slumbering through their relocation, ready to burst forth in spring if given the chance.
But Titchmarsh’s warnings aren’t just about horticultural technique; they’re about mindset. He urges gardeners to resist the urge for instant gratification, reminding them that good things—especially in the garden—take time. Large trees might look impressive at first, but their struggle to establish can mean years of stunted growth or, in the worst cases, failure to thrive. A smaller, younger tree, on the other hand, may soon outstrip its larger cousin, establishing roots quickly and growing vigorously in its new home.
Beyond his gardening wisdom, Titchmarsh has also been reflecting on his own journey, both personal and professional. At 76, he’s a fixture on British television and radio, yet he credits his “dull” childhood with providing the stability and grounding that shaped his success. Speaking on the "Lessons From Our Mothers" podcast, he shared, "I think I grew up with a strong sense of when I had a family, wanting to look after my wife, children in the same way my mum and dad looked after us. Giving us a stable, often quite dull. Sundays were often very boring looking back, you've got to go and see granny or go for a walk, which I did like. So it wasn't spectacular but on reflection, the grounding it gave you as a child was quite good."
Despite a career that keeps him in the public eye and surrounded by people, Titchmarsh values solitude. He’s quick to draw a distinction between loneliness and the restorative power of being alone. "I need that time on my own, in our business you see a lot of people going around with an entourage, and they're never alone. That would drive me nuts. I'm happy with my wife and my children and my grandchildren, I love being with them but the counterpoint to that is solitude as opposed to loneliness." His reflections offer a gentle reminder that, like trees, people sometimes need quiet seasons to put down roots and gather strength for the future.
As winter approaches and gardeners across the country prepare for the bare-root planting season, Titchmarsh’s message is clear: patience, preparation, and a dash of humility are the real keys to success. The rewards—a flourishing tree, a thriving garden, and perhaps a little peace of mind—are well worth the wait.
