How to Transplant a Dwarf Almond
Dwarf flowering almond trees grow just 4 to 5 feet tall and bloom in a profusion of delicate pink flowers in spring. Plant this diminutive ornamental almond as a specimen shrub in the landscape and in shrub beds and border areas. While its best to plant trees and shrubs in the perfect spot right from the nursery, sometimes transplanting can't be helped. If you dwarf almond is suffering in its current location, or it just doesn't fit in with the surrounding plants, move it to a new location. Transplanting is stressful. Careful digging, moving and after care are critical for success. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
-
-
1
Soak the soil thoroughly three days before you dig and transplant a dwarf flowering almond tree. Use a "Soaker" setting and allow the water to seep into the soil at least 12 inches deep.
-
2
Measure the diameter of the trunk to determine how big to make the hole. For trees with a 1-inch diameter trunk, make the hole 12 inches around, for trees with a 2-inch trunk make the hole 24 inches around.
-
-
3
Dig out the root ball with a sharp shovel. Dig down at least 12 inches deep. The more roots you can save when transplanting a dwarf flowering almond tree, the better chance it has of surviving.
-
4
Lift the root ball from the soil and set it on a tarp next to the hole. Handle the tree by the root ball rather than the trunk.
-
5
Fold the tarp around the root ball and lift it into a wheelbarrow or garden cart to transfer the the dwarf almond to its new location.
-
6
Dig the hole at the new site twice as large as the root ball and the same depth. Keep the root ball moist and in a shaded spot if you can't replant it right away.
-
7
Lift the root ball out of the wheelbarrow and set it on the ground next to the new hole. Unwrap it from the tarp and roll the it into the planting hole. Position it straight in the center of the hole.
-
8
Replace the soil around the roots. Use the same soil you dug out of the hole. Pack it down into all the crevices to eliminate pockets.
-
9
Set a soaker hose on the newly transplanted dwarf almond tree and allow water to soak down to the bottom of the planting hole. Soak the soil again every 10 to 14 days for the first season until the tree gets established.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Grow dwarf flowering almond trees in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 9.
Transplant dwarf flowering almond trees in spring just before new growth begins, or in fall after the tree has shed the last of its leaves.
References
- University of Illinois Extension: Selecting Shrubs for your Home - Dwarf Flowering Almond
- North Dakota State University Extension; Transplanting Trees And Shrubs; Marcus Jackson; Bob Harsel, et al.; July 1998
- Clemson University Cooperative Extension; Transplanting Established Trees & Shrubs; Debbie Shaughnessy
