How to Transplant a Poplar Tree

Poplar trees are fast growing trees that produce tulip shaped blooms. They offer their landscaper outstanding fall colors and cooling filtered shade. They are easy to care for and make wonderful additions to a person's garden.

When scattered throughout a lawn their dappled shade and prettily shaped leaves are a welcoming sight. During the winter, they drop their leaves and let sunlight flow to warm houses and barns. Poplars are not usually recommended for planting directly near a house, as during harsh weather they may blow over.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Water
• Compost
• Stake
• Burlap sack
• Gardening twine
• Rubber pieces
• Large rocks
• Poplar tree

Instructions

1. Working on an overcast day when rain is imminently expected, dig a hole as wide as the poplar tree's branches. The hole must be at least 3 feet deep. Chop the sides and bottom of the planting hole with the shovel to rough it up so the tree can take hold easier.

2. Fill the hole halfway with compost (leave a hill of compost in the center). Fill the hole with water and allow it to drain. Add more compost when the previous level drops below half full.

3. Carefully dig around the base of the poplar tree. Start where the branches end and dig a trench all the way around the tree. Dig down at least 2 feet. Save all of the excavated soil in a pile to re-bury the hole. Carefully slide the shovel under the rest of the roots. A handsaw will make the job much easier as the smooth blade of the shovel takes more effort to cut through tough roots.

   When the tree begins to feel loose in the hole begin to rock it back and forth. If there is a taproot cut it off as long as possible. Keep the roots and leaves of the tree moist while you are working.

4. Wrap the roots in a moist burlap sack. If the tree must be transported in the back of a vehicle, wrap the foliage in another wet burlap sack. Failure to protect the leaves will result in windburn and possible transport shock. This can kill a tree.

5. Spray the tree with water when you arrive at the transplant area. Working quickly remove the burlap sack from the roots and splay the them in the hole. Backfill the soil and compost making sure to pack it down and water it as you go.

   Once the soil has been completely added and packed down, place several large stones around the base of the tree. The stones will help to prevent the newly planted tree from toppling over.

6. Using a sturdy stake at least half as tall as the trunk of the tree stick it in the ground securely, use enough twine to go around the trunk two or three times. Make sure to place the rubber piece around the part of the trunk that the twine will touch. This rubber prevents the twine from rubbing the tree and allows for future trunk growth.

7. Add a layer of compost at three inches thick to the base of the tree. Water in very well. The leftover burlap sacks can be placed over the tree to work as a shade cloth and help with the transitional period. The first few weeks after transplanting are the most perilous for a tree. Keep the tree watered and shaded until it has fully established itself.

References

• Gardening.wsu.edu: Transplanting a Tree