How to Transplant Trees

Successfully transplant trees by purchasing nursery grown or choosing a younger field grown tree. These will tolerate the transplanting process better.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. The best times to transplant is late fall or early spring. During these times deciduous trees have lost their leaves or haven't developed them yet. The energy will go into root development rather than leaves.

2. Root prune trees the season before you actually transplant trees; this will give it enough time to develop feeder roots but still be easily moved. Sever the roots with a sharp shovel along the drip line.

3. Before transplant day decide where the final destination will be. Taking into consideration if it's a sun loving variety or one that grows best under the canopy of larger trees.

4. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball but not quite as deep as the root ball - just enough for the crown to show. Transplant the tree as quickly as feasible to reduce drying of the roots.

5. Once you have the tree in the ground and backfilled, mound dirt in a ring around the tree to act as a basin to hold water. Water deeply after planting, check regularly to make sure the soil is wet 3 to 4 inches down.

6. Mulch around the tree to hold the moisture in, fertilize only if absolutely necessary and prune any die back, these are the basics to transplant trees.

[Flybyknight]

on 3/11/2009 Top notch article!

[eazye84x]

on 3/4/2009 Great lawn and garden article. Recommended!