Should I use Root Dip/Gel?

We carry two kinds of Root Gel.    Does it do any good though or it just a waste of time and money?

Root dips help in almost all cases.  Sometimes immeasurably.    There are a few instances where they don't really provide any benefit, but they can never hurt anything.

• Endo/Ecto Dip:  Mycorrhizal Root Dip (3oz makes 1gal).  Keeps roots from drying while in the field and stimulates root growth.  4oz package covers approximately 70 tree/shrub roots.  Also contains Soil Moist (below) to ensure roots do not dry out while planting as well as after the roots are in the ground.  

• Soil Moist:  Soil Moist polymer granular is a soil amendment designed to reduce plant waterings by 50%, reduce transplant shock and soil compaction, and will remain effective in the soil for 3-5 years. It is an inexpensive form of insurance for the plant and is environmentally friendly. Soil Moist saves time, labor and plant loss.  

When is it recommended to use root dip:

• You are planting into drier ground like sand or well-drailed soils

• You intend to "plant and forget".  Meaning you are not going to water the trees no matter how dry the summer (don't worry - this is the scenario for most people)

• It is later in the Spring (after May 1st).  The ground has started warming up and drying out.   When you dig a new hole the ground quickly dries out

• You are putting the trees into pots

When you can think about skipping it:

• You are planting into a wetter/swampy area

• When you are using a mechanical planter.   About half of the people still utilize the root dip, but it is a messier process.

• You are planting something other than trees.     You do not need it for anything that is already potted, asparagus, raspberries, blueberries, rhubarb, etc...    In theory it won't hurt them, but we've never used it for that.

How much / what kind should I get?

It depends very greatly on the amount of roots you are applying to.   The larger conifers like 5-yr old Spruce chew through the pails of root dip very quickly relative to the deciduous trees like Oaks or Maples.   But as a general rule 1 pack covers:

• Endo = 40-70 trees ($10)

• Soil Moist = 70-100 trees ($5)

It's best to just tell us "add the recommended root dip" and we'll add it to your order for you.   We almost always have it in stock at pickup time, but that is not a 100% guarantee.    Endo/Ecto does have a 24-month expiration date, so we try to not carry much/any over from year to year.

Directions are printed on the packages.   It's very easy to use.

Black Hills Spruce Picture Description:

The seedling on the left was grown an extra year with Soil Moist applied.   The seedling on teh right was left an extra year in the bed with no root dip.