How to Transplant an Apricot Tree

A healthy apricot tree can live from 20 to 30 years. The tree will thrive in an area protected from wind that still receives full sunlight. When transplanting an apricot tree, choose an area with moist, well-drained soil. Because the fruit tree cross-pollinates, the best place to plant is near another variety of apricot. This will encourage the cross-pollination needed to make sure the transplanted tree will bear fruit. If another variety does not grow nearby, enough room should be available for a second tree to be planted.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Shovel
• Water

1. Choose a spot for the apricot tree that drains well, avoiding dips in the elevation that might allow water to accumulate as standing can cause the roots to rot.

2. Soak the root ball in water overnight before planting if the tree has been purchased from a nursery.

3. Dig a hole 2 feet deep and twice the diameter of the root system of the apricot tree. Loosen the soil along the sides of the hole with the shovel.

4. Shovel enough soil back into the hole to form a loose mound at the bottom.

5. Place the apricot tree in the hole, spreading the roots over the mound of dirt.

6. Shovel enough soil back into the hole to cover the roots. Firmly tamp down the soil to get rid of air pockets around the roots, and fill the hole with the remaining soil.

7. Water the transplanted apricot tree thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots.

8. Water the transplanted apricot tree frequently the first week.

Tips & Warnings

• If planting must be delayed, protect the apricot tree's roots with a temporary planting in a trench. Cover the roots with sawdust and soil, keep them watered, and the tree will keep for several weeks.
• The best time to transplant an apricot tree is in the late winter or early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked and before it leaves dormancy and starts growing.
• Apricot trees grow quickly, and a smaller tree with a good root system will transplant much better than a large tree.

References

• University of Illinois Extension: Apricots
• University of Minnesota Extension: Trees
• The Gardeners Forum