How To Plant Bare Root Apple Trees In Ontario, Canada

A practical, step by step guide to storing, planting, and successfully growing bare root Cortland apple trees in Ontario so you get faster establishment, stronger roots, and reliable fruit production. If you're interested in planting trees in 2026, check out our Bare Root Cortland Tree sale.

About Cortland Apples

Cortland apples are a time-tested favorite across North America, known for their unique balance of sweetness and tartness, striking appearance, and versatility in the kitchen.

These apples produce large, red-striped fruit with firm white flesh that is sweet, extra juicy, and slightly sour, making them ideal for desserts, baking, and cider making. They are especially popular for fresh eating and salads due to their high resistance to browning once sliced.

Cortlands are extremely cold hardy, making them well suited for growing in Ontario and other northern climates. They are also very productive trees and can begin producing fruit within a few years of planting.

Storing Bare Root Trees Before Planting

• Try to plant your tree within 48 hours of pickup

  
  

• If not planting right away, keep the roots cool and moist and out of direct sun  

  
  

• Store them in a shady spot or unheated garage

  
  

• Keep roots wrapped in damp newspaper, wood chips, or sawdust to prevent from drying out 

  
  

• Don’t let them freeze or sit in standing water

How To Plant Bare Root Apple Trees

With the right planting and care, your bare root Cortland apple tree will establish quickly and reward you with years of crisp, juicy fruit.

• Space trees 12-15 feet apart

• Soak roots for 2-12 hours before planting

• Dig a hole 18-24 inches wide and 12-18 inches deep

  
  

• Ensure graft union (bump above roots) sits 2-3 inches above soil level

• Create a 3-4 inch mound at the bottom of the hole, like a small pyramid

• Place the root ball on top the pyramid and radiate roots evenly outwards

• Recommended: Add a small handful of organic root enhancer to the hole

  
  

• Add 1-2L of water to hole

• Backfill with soil and firm gently

• Water deeply after planting

• Apply mulch ring 6-8 inches high and 6-8 inches wide around tree to help retain water, but keep at least 2-3 inches clear of the trunk

• Protect from critters by installing ¼–½ inch mesh cylinder outside of mulch ring,12-18 inches high, and buried 1-2 inches deep AND/OR add spiral tree guard ring wrapped around bottom 3-4ft of tree.

• Stake the tree if the site is windy

Follow these steps, be patient in the early seasons, and you’ll set the foundation for a healthy, productive tree that thrives in Ontario’s climate.

On Instagram?

• Here's our post that shows the planting process.

  
  

• Here's another we posted about pruning any suckers you may have on your trees

Special Note on Fall Planting

The best time to replant an apple tree in the fall in Ontario is early through mid October.

This gives the tree enough time to establish roots before the ground freezes. The soil is still warm from summer, which encourages root growth, and the cooler air temperatures reduce stress on the tree. Fall rains also help the roots settle in.

• In Eastern Ontario, complete planting by early November

  
  

• Ensure planting is complete 2-3 weeks before ground freezes

  
  

• If the fall window is missed, replant in early Spring as soon as the soil can be worked and before bud break

Stay Connected with Plum Hollow Farms

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for planting tips, behind the scenes updates, and seasonal advice from the field.

You can also join our farm email list to get updates on sales, farm stand availabilities, and what’s happening at the farm throughout the year.