Transplanting: to uproot or replant; move from one location to another.
Now is an excellent time to start transplanting!
**Note: Before starting, measure the diameter of the tree trunk six inches above soil level. For every inch in diameter, the root mass should equal to one foot in diameter.
Uprooting
Most trees are best moved with a ball of soil surrounding the roots. Begin by digging a trench in a circle around the tree, leaving the appropriate root zone diameter (one foot for each inch of trunk in diameter). To easily achieve this, use a garden spade to cleanly cut the sides of the trench and roots encountered. Begin to slope the trench inward, toward the tree, and cut beneath the ball until it is free. Using the spade beneath the ball as an aid, lift the tree from the hole and place it onto a length of burlap. (Tip: if burlap is unavailable, an old tablecloth will do the trick!). Tie the fabric securely, using a wheelbarrow to carry the uprooted plant to its new location.
Re-planting
The new hole should be at least three times wider than the spread of its roots, but NO deeper. Remember: loosened soil settles, therefore the roots should rest upon undisturbed soil to ensure that the tree will not be planted to deeply. Caution: Many trees are killed by deep planting, especially in heavy soil! Therefore, elevating the tree a few inches above ground level will ensure the success of the newly transplanted tree.
Tips to guarantee the life of your plant!
- It is extremely beneficial to lay mulch over the planting area. Mulch helps to retain moisture, hinder unwanted weed growth, and add nutrients to the soil. Be sure to lay mulch at least two inches deep, but NO more than four inches deep.
- Leave at least five inches between the tree trunk and the mulch in order to deter fungus, diseases and rodents.
- Water slowly and thoroughly immediately after planting! After the initial watering, be sure to hydrate your tree at least once a week for five minutes post planting.
- Be sure to transplant deciduous trees ONLY when they are dormant (early spring or late fall).
- Evergreens can not only be transplanted in the spring or the fall, but also in the late summer after their active growth is completed.
- REMEMBER: The number one cause of suffering plants is over watering! Be sure to keep the watering to a minimal (once a week).
- Tree stakes are extremely recommended for the first two years, or until the roots of the newly planted tree are established.
Related Links
- http://www.gardenline.usask.ca/trees/moving.html
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transplanting
- http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/pubs/plantsci/trees/f1147w.htm
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