How to Transplant Purple Fountain Beech Tree
Purple fountain beech trees are prized by gardeners for their dramatic color that stand striking against an evergreen landscape. These trees have an unusual columnar cascading shape and reach up to 25 feet and 15 feet wide. They thrive in full sunlight and well-drained soil. Transplanting may be necessary if the soil becomes waterlogged or if the tree is at risk for touching a power line. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
-
-
1
Inspect the health of your beech tree. Diseased, mature or damaged trees have a greater problem coping with the stress of being transplanted. Look for beech bark disease, powdery mildew and any other pest problem. Avoid moving a diseased tree, because you risk creating greater shock to the tree or spreading the disease to other trees in your yard. Kill any fungi problems with fungicide.
-
2
Check the planting site to be sure that it has well-draining soil. Grab a fistful of soil and squeeze. Soil that breaks apart is too dry, soil that produces droplets of water is too wet and soil that is malleable in the hand and breaks in clumps when dropped has adequate drainage.
-
-
3
Water the purple fountain beech. One of the major factors contributing to the success of the beech tree is ensuring the root system doesn't get dried out.
-
4
Mark the tree to be sure it is planted with the same orientation to the sun. This will help prevent sunscald.
-
5
Dig one foot from the roots. If you are transplanting a new tree then you can move the tree with bare roots; however, larger trees need to have soil attached to their roots. Wrap a wet burlap sack around the roots. Cover the sack with a trash bag to prevent it drying out in the sun.
-
6
Measure the tree's root system. Make sure that the planting site hole is three times larger than the root ball. Add water to the hole, and carefully place your beech tree in it. Prune any damaged roots with sharp pruners.
-
7
Pack down the tree to reduce the amount of air pockets around the root system. Add mulch to around the tree to lock in moisture. Give your tree a thorough watering. Water again ten days after transplanting if your area is going through a dry spell. If you plant in the fall, you may not know if your transplant was a success until the spring.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Clear the planting area of any grass, weeds or plants before planting. Vegetation competes with trees for nutrients and water in the soil.
Contact your local utility company if you are digging deep into the soil. Some states require people to make arrangements with their local utility company.
