Guide for Transplanting Young Tree Specimens
Moving small, young trees with a trunk diameter of 2 inches or less requires careful planning and execution to ensure their survival in their new location. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to dig, move, replant, and care for these trees effectively.
**Digging the Tree**
When digging, it's essential to dig a hole wide and deep enough to allow the roots to spread naturally without damaging them. For small deciduous trees, it's usually acceptable to move them without a large ball of soil attached to the roots, unlike larger trees. It may be necessary to prune any broken or damaged branches, and reduce some top growth to balance the root loss.
**Moving the Tree**
Once the tree is dug, it should be moved quickly to prevent the roots from drying. To protect the roots from sun and wind during transport, keep them moist and covered. For trunks under 3 inches, moving bare-root (no soil ball) is feasible, but the roots must be kept moist.
**Replanting the Tree**
Upon reaching the new location, dig a new hole approximately the same depth as the tree’s original planting depth, but wider than the root spread. The root flare, where roots spread from the trunk, should be visible above soil level to avoid planting the tree too deep. Arrange the roots naturally in the hole and fill about three-fourths with friable topsoil. Gently firm the soil around the roots to eliminate air pockets, which can harm root growth. Create a shallow saucer-shaped depression around the tree base to retain water.
**Aftercare to Increase Survival**
Following transplantation, water the tree regularly. Mulch around the tree with 3 inches of organic material like wood chips to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the trunk from mechanical damage. Protect the tree trunk with tree guards or wraps to prevent sunscald, pests, or mechanical injury. Wraps may be burlap, heavy paper, or tree wrap paper and should be removed once the tree grows enough to shade the trunk. Prune for structural integrity if needed, removing competing branches to encourage a strong central leader.
**Additional Tips**
- Protect the young tree from browsing deer, rabbits, and other animals in its new location. - When transplanting trees, it's recommended to dig a hole that is 2 to 3 times the width of the tree's root ball and approximately 1 to 2 inches shorter than the height of the soil ball. - The best times to transplant deciduous trees are early spring (before growth begins) and fall (after leaf drop). Evergreens are most successfully transplanted in early spring and late summer (late August to mid-September). - To minimize damage and improve their chance of survival, dig and move trees with balls of soil adhering to portions of their root systems. - When lifting and carrying a tree, grasp the material wrapped around the root ball, not the trunk. - The ideal radius of the root ball is determined by the caliper of the trunk and the overall height of the tree. Minimum root ball sizes are outlined in the table provided. - When using a spade, dig a trench around the tree to a depth of 1-1/2 to 2 feet. - The soil should be moist when the plant is dug. If the soil is dry, thoroughly water the area 3 to 4 days before digging.
For more detailed information on caring for newly-planted trees and protecting them from animals, check out our articles "Care of Newly-Planted Trees," "How to Protect Gardens from Rabbits," and "How to Protect Gardens from Deer." Additionally, learn about planting bare root trees and protecting trees and shrubs from animal damage over winter in our respective articles with the same titles.
- By enriching your home-and-garden landscape with small, young trees, you can promote a harmonious lifestyle with nature, as these trees actively contribute to soil health and the overall beauty of the landscape.
- Caring for the newly-transplanted trees is crucial to ensure their survival. After transplanting, employ proper aftercare strategies such as regular watering, mulching, and tree protection from animals to enhance their growth.
- In addition to trees, consider incorporating a variety of plants into your home-and-garden, as they not only add aesthetic value but also contribute to the landscape's ecosystem, benefiting soil, wildlife, and your lifestyle.
