Time to Think About Transplanting

Over the years I have been adding trees to our property. When I look outside of my office window into our field I have tried to make each tree visible to enjoy each tree’s unique foliage and shape.
　
Three years ago, I planted a pin oak tree and realized the tree is starting to obscure the view of the other trees. So in the next week when the ground starts to thaw, I will be digging the tree and transplanting it to a new location to allow the tree to grow to its large size without obscuring the view of the other trees.

The tree I will be moving has a caliper (diameter) of 2" so the tree is small and easy for moving.

The transplanting strategy for all trees and shrubs regardless of their size is generally:

• Assemble the equipment needed for the move. Generally a good sharp shovel, pruners, an old blanket, sheet, or tarp to move the tree; and a garden hose.

• Don't start digging right at the base of an established tree or shrub. Rather, start digging about 3' out from the base, all along the perimeter.

• Use that sharp shovel and pruners to make a good clean cut into the roots. You will never get the entire root system, but you want to keep the rootball (soil and roots) intact as much as possible.

• After making the cut, gently lift the rootball and tree with your shovel and gently start sliding that old sheet under the ball. After the old sheet has been positioned under the ball, lift the sheet and tree and drag the tree on the sheet to the new hole.

• The width of the new hole should be twice that of the rootball and a bit shallower than the hole the tree was removed from.

• After you set the tree in the hole, as you replace the soil around the tree, start tamping the ground with your feet to remove all air pockets. During this time of tamping, you can be straightening the tree. The newly transplanted tree should be sitting a few inches higher than the tree’s original hole.

• Provide mulch around the new tree and keep the tree well watered during the summer months.

The best time to transplant most deciduous trees and shrubs is late winter or early spring. The second best time is in the fall. Avoid summer transplanting as the temperature is way too hot and much moisture will be lost through the leaves of the newly transplanted tree.