The Gentle Guide to Transplanting Young Trees: A Step-by-Step Approach
Transplanting a young tree can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to relocate a prized sapling to a more suitable location in your garden or property. While it might seem daunting, with the right knowledge, tools, and approach, you can successfully move a young tree and ensure its continued healthy growth. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process, providing detailed steps and instructions to maximize your success.
Understanding the Best Time to Transplant
The timing of your transplant is crucial for the tree’s survival and ability to recover quickly. The ideal time depends largely on your local climate and the species of tree, but there are some general rules to follow:
* **Dormancy is Key:** The best time to transplant most deciduous trees (those that lose their leaves in winter) is during their dormant period, usually in late fall or early spring. When the tree is dormant, it’s not actively growing and will experience less stress during the move. The lack of foliage also reduces water loss. Aim for a period when the ground is workable, meaning it’s not frozen and not overly saturated with water.
* **Evergreens are Different:** Evergreen trees, which retain their foliage year-round, are best transplanted in early spring or late summer. Spring allows them to adjust before the heat of summer, while late summer gives them a chance to establish roots before winter. Avoid transplanting them in the dead of winter or the hottest parts of the summer, as this can severely stress them.
* **Avoid Extremes:** Avoid transplanting during extreme weather conditions like heat waves, drought periods, or when the ground is frozen or waterlogged. These conditions make it very difficult for the tree to recover.
Assessing Your Tree’s Suitability for Transplant
Before you even think about digging, you need to make sure your tree is a good candidate for transplanting:
* **Size Matters:** Generally, trees with a trunk diameter of less than 4 inches at ground level are considered relatively easy to transplant. Larger trees require specialized equipment and expertise and are best left to professional arborists. Young trees have a more compact root system and establish faster in the new location.
* **Health Check:** Make sure the tree is healthy. Check for signs of disease, insect infestation, or structural damage. A weak or unhealthy tree is less likely to survive the stress of being transplanted.
* **Root Condition:** If possible, check the root system. A healthy root system should have a good network of smaller feeder roots. Avoid transplanting trees that have severely damaged or circling roots, which indicates a very young and undeveloped root system. It is also not advisable to move saplings or seedlings with a single tap root without lateral roots, which means they are likely too young or underdeveloped.
* **Tree Type:** Certain tree species are more resilient to transplanting than others. Research your tree type and understand its specific needs. For example, trees that naturally form deep taproots, like oaks, may be more difficult to transplant once established.
Essential Tools and Materials
Having the right tools will make the job significantly easier and less stressful for both you and the tree. Here’s what you’ll need:
* **Shovel:** A sturdy, pointed shovel for digging around the root ball. A spade-type shovel can be useful for shaping the planting hole.
* **Tarp or Burlap:** To place on the ground around the base of the tree to protect it and make moving it easier.
* **Pruning Shears or Loppers:** For removing damaged or broken roots and branches.
* **Wheelbarrow or Tree Dolly:** To transport the tree to its new location, especially if it is a larger tree.
* **Measuring Tape or Stake:** To ensure the planting hole is the correct size and depth.
* **Watering Can or Hose:** For watering the tree before, during and after transplant.
* **Mulch:** To help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
* **Optional but Helpful: Root Stimulant** To promote root growth.
* **Gloves:** To protect your hands.
* **Tree Support Stakes:** To stabilize the tree for up to 2 years if it is in an exposed location
The Step-by-Step Transplanting Process
Now that you’re prepared, let’s delve into the actual transplanting process:
**Step 1: Prepare the New Planting Site**
* **Choose the Right Location:** Consider the mature size of your tree and choose a spot that provides sufficient sunlight, good drainage, and adequate space for its growth. Avoid areas that are too wet or too dry.
* **Dig the Planting Hole:** The planting hole should be at least twice as wide as the root ball and as deep as the root ball’s original depth in the ground. This provides ample room for root expansion. If you are planting in an area with heavy clay soils, consider loosening the sides of the hole to ensure that new roots can penetrate the surrounding soil easily.
* **Loosen the Soil:** Break up any compacted soil at the bottom of the hole to encourage root growth. You can amend the soil with compost if needed, but avoid adding too much fertilizer at this stage.
**Step 2: Preparing the Tree for Transplant**
* **Water Thoroughly:** A day or two before transplanting, thoroughly water the tree. Moist soil will help keep the root ball intact during digging and will lessen the transplant shock.
* **Prune Lightly (If Needed):** Before digging, prune any damaged, dead, or crossing branches. This helps reduce stress on the tree and promotes better air circulation. This also gives an indication on how the new planting needs to orient to the sun.
* **Clear the Base:** Remove any weeds or grass within at least a foot or more of the trunk of the tree.
**Step 3: Digging and Lifting the Tree**
* **Mark the Root Ball:** Using your shovel, make a vertical cut in the soil roughly a foot away from the tree trunk, all the way around the tree. The size of the circle you make will depend on the size of the tree. This will give you an indication of the size of the root ball to dig for the transplant.
* **Begin Digging:** Dig downwards from the vertical cut, again going around the tree, and angling the shovel slightly inwards. Go deeper, again around the tree, and you will be digging the shape of a rounded cone to encompass the root ball. Be sure to maintain a distance of 6-12 inches from the trunk of the tree, to keep the main roots safe and undisturbed. The depth is variable and dependant on the tree’s size, but in general you will want to dig deep enough to contain a large portion of the roots and keep them as intact as possible.
* **Undercut the Root Ball:** Once you’ve dug around the root ball, use your shovel to carefully undercut it from below, trying to sever as few roots as possible. Be slow and deliberate in this process.
* **Place the Tarp:** Once the root ball is mostly free, gently slide a tarp or burlap beneath the root ball. It is recommended that you cut it from the side to give more room for access around the base. You may need someone to help lift the tree to allow this. If the tree has a tap root, you may need to sever it to release the tree from the ground. If you do, it is important to make the cut as cleanly as possible. Remember that young trees with a single tap root are less likely to survive a transplant and are not the best candidates.
* **Lift Carefully:** With help if needed, carefully lift the root ball using the tarp or burlap. Try to keep the root ball intact and minimize disturbance to the roots during the move.
**Step 4: Moving and Planting the Tree**
* **Transport the Tree:** If you are moving the tree a long distance use a wheelbarrow or tree dolly to transport the tree carefully, keeping the root ball supported. If the tree is small enough, use the tarp or burlap itself. Avoid dragging the tree, which can damage the root system.
* **Position the Tree:** Carefully lower the tree into the planting hole, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with or slightly above the surrounding soil grade. Avoid planting the tree too deep, as this can suffocate the roots.
* **Remove the Burlap (If Applicable):** If you used burlap, carefully remove it from around the root ball. If the burlap is made of a biodegradable material like Jute, leave it and it will decompose in the ground.
* **Backfill the Hole:** Fill the planting hole with the soil you removed. Gently pack the soil around the root ball to eliminate any air pockets. Avoid compacting the soil too tightly, as this can hinder root growth.
* **Water Thoroughly:** Immediately after planting, water the tree deeply to help settle the soil and provide needed hydration. This is critical for transplant success. Water to the point where water starts pooling on the surface.
**Step 5: Post-Transplant Care**
* **Water Regularly:** For the first year or two after transplanting, water your tree regularly, especially during dry spells. The goal is to keep the soil consistently moist, but not waterlogged. In the first couple of weeks, water almost daily. Afterwards, reduce to two or three times a week, and finally reduce to once a week by the end of the first month. During dry spells in the hotter periods, you may need to increase the watering.
* **Apply Mulch:** Apply a 2-4 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk. Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
* **Staking (If Necessary):** If the tree is in an exposed location or is tall and slender, use tree support stakes to stabilize it for the first year or two. Use soft ties to prevent chafing or damage to the bark. Make sure the support stakes are clear of the canopy, and the ties are secured safely to the trunk.
* **Fertilize Sparingly:** In the first year after planting, avoid heavy fertilization. Use a diluted liquid root stimulator around the root zone every two weeks for the first three months to encourage root development. In the second year, apply a slow-release fertilizer in the spring.
* **Monitor for Pests and Diseases:** Regularly inspect your tree for any signs of pests or diseases and take action promptly if any issues arise.
* **Prune as Needed:** Continue to prune any dead, damaged, or crossing branches to maintain the tree’s health and shape.
Tips for Success
* **Minimize Root Disturbance:** The key to a successful transplant is minimizing root disturbance. Be careful during digging and moving to protect the delicate root system.
* **Handle With Care:** Handle the tree gently and avoid dropping or jostling it excessively, especially when it’s out of the ground.
* **Don’t Plant Too Deep:** Planting the tree too deep is one of the most common mistakes, and can lead to root rot and suffocation. Make sure the root flare (where the trunk transitions to roots) is slightly above the ground.
* **Be Patient:** It takes time for a transplanted tree to establish itself. Be patient and provide consistent care to ensure its successful growth. Do not plant near any new hard landscaping, like walls or concrete footings. The roots will easily penetrate and crack any rigid or less-permeable surfaces.
* **Consider Professional Help:** If you are unsure about any part of the transplanting process, do not hesitate to seek advice or assistance from a qualified arborist or gardening professional. Professionals have the knowledge and tools to handle large or difficult transplants.
* **Do a Soil Test:** Getting a soil test can give you great information regarding what the best type of soil conditions are, and will allow you to make informed decisions on how to amend the soil to ensure the tree’s best chances of survival.
Conclusion
Transplanting a young tree is a rewarding endeavor that, with the right preparation and care, can yield excellent results. By following these detailed steps and instructions, you can increase your chances of successfully relocating your tree and ensure that it thrives in its new location. Remember that patience, observation, and consistent care are essential for a successful transplant and a happy, healthy tree for many years to come.
