Transplanting a sapling is a little more complex than buying a container grown tree and simply planting it - there are a few additional things to consider. However, the basic principles are the same, so don't think it's too difficult a task.
Steps
Step 1. Choose a sapling to transplant
The sapling will need to be small enough to unearth its root system - no more than 5 to 7, 6 cm thick at the base. Also, you need to make sure it's a strain that can withstand the stress of transplanting - sometimes this will just have to be a case of trial and error, if you don't know. Some good varieties include oak, magnolia, dogwood, birch, eucalyptus, and tea tree.
Step 2. Choose a suitable place to receive the new transplant
The soil must be of a similar type, with similar drainage and with the necessary sun exposure for the sapling to develop.
Step 3. First dig the hole for the transplant
Evaluate how big the root system will be when you dig the hole. Allow the root system to be buried to the same depth it was before transplanting. If the soil is very hard or compacted, it is advisable to dig a larger hole to loosen the soil around the perimeter to make it easier for the roots to spread when they begin to grow. Normally on a transplanted tree you should avoid fertilizing until the tree has stabilized. Adding too much fertilizer or adding it too soon will tend to stimulate the tree to develop more than the stressed roots can handle.
Step 4. Dig the tree to be transplanted
You need to start by cutting a circle around the root system of the sapling with a round and pointed shovel. Make the cuts about 30 cm from the base of the tree, as deep as possible, to keep the roots intact. If the soil is firm enough and moist, it is often possible to cut around and under the main root mass and remove all of it without disturbing the roots. If the soil is very dry, you should give plenty of water before you start digging. If the soil is loose and sandy, a sheet of plastic or fabric will be needed to accommodate the sapling and support it as it moves.
Step 5. Remove the sapling by grabbing it close to the ground and lifting it straight out of the hole
If it has a large tap root or large roots extending out from the trunk that are not cut, either you will need to dig to free them or you will need to find another suitable tree. When you tear these roots out of the ground, you will likely do severe damage to all of the roots, and the chances of success are less. If you've pulled out the tree with most of its roots still covered in soil, you can carry it a short distance to replant it. If it needs to be loaded and transported to another location, place it in the center of a plastic fabric or tarp, wrap this material around the tree to support the roots and the earth, and tie it around the trunk. Any shaking, tossing or other actions that disturb the root ball will decrease the chances of survival by loosening the soil around the roots and allowing air to reach them, causing them to dry out.
Step 6. Place the sapling in the hole you dug in the new location
Make sure the sapling is set to the same depth as when it was removed. Place loose earth around it to support it, water normally, to eliminate voids or air pockets, but not so much that the soil from the roots is washed away.
Step 7. Fill the hole level with neighboring earth
Using the excess earth that should be left, build a small dike or earth bank about 7.5 cm high around the hole, about 61 cm from the trunk. This will retain water when you water the tree.
Step 8. Water the tree again after the initial watering has soaked the soil
This should help the soil settle and help you fill in the hole by adding more potting soil.
Step 9. Stake the sapling
If there is danger of strong winds, stake the sapling before the soil is compacted and the roots begin to develop to support it again. This can be done with a few sticks, pipes, or wooden poles placed around the tree about 91 cm from the trunk, and tying wire or sturdy twine to these poles by wrapping it loosely around the trunk near the lower branches. It is advisable to wrap the twine or wire with a strip cut from a garden hose at the point of contact with the tree to avoid damaging the bark.
Advice
- Keep watering the sapling at least once a week during its first growing season.
- Take note of the direction of the sapling when it is removed and try to maintain it when transplanting. This is called "solar orientation", and this is important to observe because it facilitates the adaptation of the sapling to the new site. As an example, mark or tie a ribbon on the north side of the tree before removing it, and plant it with this side facing north again.
- Transplantation is much more successful if the specimen is dormant. This means that the best time to transplant is late autumn or winter. However, if you manage to remove the roots still covered with earth, the tree should survive even in the summer.
- If the leaves fall off after moving the sapling, wait to see if it sprouts again and puts out new leaves. Stress often causes leaves to drop, even if the tree is alive. As long as the branches seem springy and flexible, it is likely alive.
- Remove any tie rods before they begin cutting down the growing tree.
- Transplanting a sapling can be successful and a rewarding experience, but it takes attention and a willingness to follow up after the first job is done.
- If you are looking for a new tree for your landscape, respect the rights of landowners. Don't go to private or public properties or national parks to get your new tree without permission.
- Fill the hole where the tree was so that no one falls and gets hurt.
Warnings
- Beware of the usual vermin if you are in the woods looking for a transplant candidate. These can include snakes and wildlife, but also ticks that can carry diseases, insects such as hornets, bees and wasps; also do not neglect poisonous plants, ivy, sumac, etc.
- Going to private or public properties, and parks to remove trees is illegal in many countries, such as Italy, the United States, Australia and Canada. Learn about local regulations and do the right thing - these laws are there to protect our forests for everyone's future.
