Moving a Pomegranate Tree

Surprisingly, 200-year-old pomegranate trees have been found throughout Europe, which goes to show the tenacious vigor that pomegranate trees can display. However, certain circumstances might force you to move your pomegranate tree. A planting area lacking proper drainage is one of the most common reasons to move the tree--before it develops root rot. Other reasons might include transplanting the plant to a new home or moving the tree away from a plant with fungal diseases.

Things You'll Need

• Soil testing kit
• Shovel
• Lime
• Sulfur
• Burlap sack
• Mulch

Instructions

1. Prepare the new planting location by checking the pH range. Pomegranate trees need to be grown from 5.5 to 7.0 pH in order to absorb the soil's nutrients. Purchase a soil pH test at your county extension office. Dig a 6-inch hole and collect samples from the bottom. Send the samples to the address provided on the kit, and wait several weeks for the results. Based on the results, amend acidic soil with lime and alkaline soil with sulfur.

2. Choose a time in the early fall or winter when the pomegranate tree has gone dormant. Trees experience less transplant shock when they have finished growing for the season.

3. Water the pomegranate tree for three days before its move. Slowly release water around the dripline of the tree. The dripline is the area located directly under the outer branches.

4. Mark which side of the tree is facing the morning sun so you can plant the tree in its original growing position.

5. Water the area around the tree. Dig a trench 2 feet away from the tree's dripline and at least 24 inches deep. Uncover the roots with your hands. Keep the soil moist to help you find the roots.

6. Cover the root system with a moist burlap sack. Transport the tree to the new location.

7. Dig a hole that is twice the size of the tree's root ball and at the same depth as the tree was planted in its other location. Place the tree in the hole and pack dirt around the base.

Tips & Warnings

• Spread 6 inches of mulch around the pomegranate tree to lock in the soil's moisture.

• Avoid adding fertilizer when planting the tree because it can burn up the root system.

References

• California Rare Fruit Growers: Pomegranate Fruit Facts
• North Dakota State University: Transplanting Trees and Shrubs