If you can’t plant potted trees right away, keep them in a cool, shaded place until you’re ready to plant. Remember to water the trees regularly to prevent the roots from drying.
If you can’t plant your bare-root trees within five days, keep them in a bucket of soil or mulch placed in a shaded spot. Try to keep only roots (not the trunk) in the soil or mulch. Keep the roots damp, but not standing in water, until you’re ready to plant.