Rootball & Bare Root Planting Season Begins

As autumn turns to winter, these seasons always bring the busiest and most rewarding days for me—helping homeowners in Essex and Suffolk shape the backbone of their gardens. November truly is the sweet spot for settling in larger plants like trees and hedging, ensuring they’re ready to flourish and make an impact come spring. Every year, starting now makes all the difference, and I’ve seen firsthand how striking the results can be for both keen gardeners and newcomers alike.

My team and I at Greengrass love to get planting at this time of year. It’s when we bring in mature rootball plants—a really worthwhile investment right now—and make sure every garden is set for the best possible start. This dormant season is not just the most cost-effective time for soft landscaping, but plants themselves respond better, getting a head start before spring’s growth spurt. In nearly two decades of working locally, I’ve seen how well this approach works year after year.

Rootball and Bare Root Plants Explained

Many homeowners ask me about the difference between rootball and bare root plants. Put simply, bare root plants are dug up without any soil around their roots; they’re lightweight, affordable, and must be planted promptly before the roots dry out. Rootball plants, on the other hand, come with a protective ball of soil around their roots and are often wrapped in hessian to keep the roots secure. These are a bit heavier, usually more mature, and have a higher success rate after transplanting— especially with shrubs and trees. Both types have their place, depending on what your garden needs. Choosing wisely now means strong, healthy growth in the year ahead.

Great Choices for Structural Planting

If you’re planning your garden structure, November is perfect for planting classic options like:

• Yew or hornbeam for formal hedges
• Native hawthorn or blackthorn for wildlife-friendly boundaries
• Elegant silver birch or flowering cherry for focal trees
• Evergreen holly or laurel for year-round colour and privacy
• Traditional beech, oak, or field maple for long-lasting garden backbone

If you’re ready to make the most of this ideal planting season , now’s the perfect time to get started. I’m always happy to chat about your ideas and help you plan the right structure for your garden—whether it’s a fresh hedge, a statement tree, or a complete transformation. My team and I at Greengrass will do the hard, muddy work and make sure everything is set up for success, so you can enjoy a thriving, beautiful garden come spring.

Just get in touch, and let’s see how Greengrass can help turn your garden into something special this year.

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