[wasthiswise]

I bought a bare rooted plum tree mail order from a well known supplier. On arrival whilst it is some 5ft tall its roots have been cut back fairly hard and none of them are longer than about 6 inches. Looks like the majority of the root system was removed before they shipped it. Is this likely to be a problem if I just plant (+hope)? is this kind of thing normal for trees supplied this way. Thanks.

[adri123]

I took delivery of a peach this week from RV Rogers and the roots were a good 18 inches or more.  I'd say 6 inches is likely to survive but severely hampers establishment.  I'm no expert though....

Adri

[mumofstig]

Some of them do only have small roots on deliver, like this - that's why most need staking.

http://www.orangepippintrees.co.uk/articles/container-grown-vs-bare-root-fruit-trees

[Kevin67]

Take a photo of the roots and of it being staked in place. If it fails you will have some evidence to help back up your claim for a replacement.

[wasthiswise]

Thanks for the advice. I put it to the supplier and they've agreed to send a replacement. So should be ok.

[Kevin67]

I'm impressed.