Tree care experts of British Columbia illuminate the proper procedure for tree transplants.
When and How to Transplant a Tree
Moving established plants is no simple matter of picking them up by the roots and throwing them into a new pot. Likewise, there is a proper procedure for transplanting the largest of plants: trees. Trees are very vulnerable to damage and disease and malnutrition if they are not fully established. Here are the do’s and don’ts of tree transplanting.
DO: Choose the Right Time
The best time to move a tree is when it is dormant, but has enough time to become established before winter. Moving a tree in the prime growing season (late spring and summer) can cause the tree to go into shock and stunt the seasonal growth or even kill the tree.
Deciduous trees need to be moved either in early fall after the leaves have turned or in very early spring before budding and leafing begin. Evergreens should be moved in the late summer and early fall to get them well established in the ground before the winter sets in.
Here are a few other reasons to avoid a winter or late spring transplant:
- The winter ground may be too hard to dig a proper hole.
- Cutting roots in the season of major growth can lead to malnutrition.
- Inclement weather is more likely in the winter months.
DO: Dig Big and Water Plenty
Before even dealing with digging up the tree that you are preparing to transplant, you need to know where it is going and dig the hole so the tree will have less time out of the ground.
Here are the steps for preparing the hole and replanting the tree:
- Dig the Hole: The hole should be three times the diameter of the tree’s root ball and only as deep as the root ball is tall.
- Clean the Root Ball: If you are bringing in a plant from a nursery, be sure to remove all the packaging (ie. pots, burlap, or wire) from the roots before planting.
- Replace the Soil: Replace the soil loosely around the roots of the tree to allow them to become established more quickly. The roots should not have to push through compacted soil after the stress of removal.
- Keep the Soil Moist: Once the dirt is replaced, water the tree well. Consider mulching to keep the soil moist.
DON’T: Plant the Wrong Tree
Do your research before choosing a tree. Fast-growing trees may establish themselves quickly but may be weaker and more likely to break than slower-growing ones. Planting large trees in small spaces may have very unfortunate consequences for the home’s plumbing system and the home’s foundations.
Consulting with a professional about landscaping plans is an excellent way to ensure that you are planting the right tree for your intended purposes. It would be unfortunate to choose one incompatible with your yard which could result in needing to call a tree service company for cutting down a tree.
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