Barefoot beech too old to plant?

I’m a beginner. I bought 20 bareroot beech about 3 ft in height. I started digging thinking I’d be ready to plant in a fday or 2. Over a week later I’m still digging as ground is impacted. The trees are outside in black plastic bags..will the trees last as I need another’s day digging. The bad weather has delayed work as well. Feeling demoralised..