How to Move & Transplant Fruit Trees

Young fruit trees have a better chance of surviving transplantation then older trees.

Transplant and move fruit trees in the spring as the trees are emerging from the winter dormancy period. As the soil warms up, the roots will have an entire growing season to get established in their new environment before cold winter temperatures return. Transplant success depends largely on the age of the tree; the younger the tree, the more likely it is to survive transplanting. When moving a young fruit tree, keep as much of the soil intact around the roots as possible.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Shovel
• Wheelbarrow

Instructions

1. Soak the area around the fruit tree's roots thoroughly three days before transplanting. Water until the soil is damp in a 4-foot diameter circle and water has penetrated 2 feet deep around the root system.

2. Measure the trunk of the fruit tree. A tree with a 1-inch diameter trunk must be dug at least 12 inches deep, while a 2-inch diameter trunk must be dug at least 24 inches deep. A tree with a trunk diameter greater than 3 inches will need a 36-inch deep hole and will require special equipment. There are companies that specialize in moving large trees.

3. Measure the approximate canopy spread of the fruit tree. Carve out a shallow trench around the base of the tree that is two-thirds the size of the canopy.

4. Prepare the new planting hole. Determine the appropriate light and soil conditions for the fruit tree you are moving. Dig the hole twice as large and as deep as the root ball based on your measurements of the trunk and canopy spread. Break up the soil in the bottom of the hole by driving the shovel into the ground.

5. Dig out the root ball. Get a helper or two, each with a shovel, and drive shovels into the soil at equal spacing around the trench and to the appropriate depth. Pull back on the handles and lift the root ball from the soil.

6. Place the root ball in a wheelbarrow and transport it immediately to the new planting site. Do not let the roots dry out; if you can not transplant immediately, wrap the roots in burlap and keep them damp.

7. Lower the root ball into the new planting hole. If the hole is too shallow or too deep, add or take away soil so that the base of the tree is planted to the same depth as it was in its previous location. Fill the area around the fruit tree and allow it to seep through.

8. Build up the soil in a 6-inch high, circular mound around the edge of the planting hole. This will trap and channel water down to the root system.

References

• North Dakota State University: Transplanting Trees and Shrubs