Replanting a tree after removing it from the ground can seem like a daunting task. With proper preparation, however, novice gardeners can replant most of the smaller trees. By assessing the condition of the tree and keeping the root ball intact, you will be able to preserve its health until you are ready to plant it. If you plant the tree carefully in the new location and take care of it regularly, it is more likely to survive the transplant!
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Prepare the Tree
Step 1. Evaluate if the tree is healthy enough to be moved
If your tree is unhealthy, it is more likely to die from shock. If your tree is dehydrated or sick, try to treat its ailment as much as possible before moving it.
- Trees older than 3 years are more likely to suffer damage when transplanting.
- Amateur gardeners should not attempt to transplant trees with a trunk diameter greater than 5 cm. Large trees should be replanted by a professional in the field.
Step 2. Wait until the tree is dormant to replant it
The best time to replant a tree is in late fall or winter, when the plant is dormant and less likely to suffer trauma. If your tree is healthy and does not need replanting immediately, leave it in its original position until vegetative rest.
Step 3. Remove the tree from the ground
Using a shovel, remove the soil surrounding the roots closest to the base of the tree. These roots will form the root ball of the tree that you will transplant along with the trunk. Dig under the sod and lift the tree off the ground.
- Dig 25-30cm root ball for every 2.5cm diameter of the tree trunk.
- To make digging easier, wet the soil 24 hours before removing the tree.
Step 4. Wrap the root ball of the tree in burlap
Using a small shovel, remove all blocks of soil from the sod, then wrap it entirely in untreated natural burlap, which you will then need to sew tightly around the tree with an upholstery needle and untreated natural twine.
Step 5. Keep the roots intact as you move the tree
As you transport the tree to its new location, grab it by the base of the trunk, above the root ball, to avoid breaking the roots. If the tree is too heavy to carry, put it in a cart or wheelbarrow.
Step 6. Replant the tree immediately after removing it
If possible, replant the tree the same day you removed it from the ground - it is less likely to suffer a shock and reject its new habitat if you immediately put it back in the ground.
Don't wait more than a few days or a week to replant your tree
Part 2 of 3: Positioning the Tree
Step 1. Make sure the new location meets your tree's needs
If your tree was fine in its old location, you should choose a location with the same soil type, weather conditions, and shade levels. Look for conditions in which your tree grows best if you intend to move it to improve its health.
Step 2. Dig a hole roughly the same as the previous one
If the hole is too deep, water is more likely to accumulate in it when you water the tree, causing its roots to rot. However, you should dig the hole about 5 to 8 cm wider than the original one so that you can add more mulch and topsoil.
Know where the gas, electricity and water lines pass in your land before digging, to avoid unpleasant accidents
Step 3. Remove the burlap from the root ball
Planting the tree with the canvas wrap intact can limit oxygenation to the roots, which in turn can create a sheath that will eventually kill the tree. To avoid this, completely remove the canvas wrap before replanting the tree in the new hole.
Step 4. Carefully place the tree in the hole
To avoid damaging the tree, don't just drop it into the hole. This is often a traumatic event for trees, so they must be placed delicately inside the hole. Slowly bring it down and adjust it so that the trunk remains upright.
Step 5. Use a shovel to make sure the ground is level
Place the shovel handle on the ground across the hole - the top of the root ball should be level with the top of the hole. If the sod is too deep in the soil, remove it and shovel some soil into the hole until the sod is at the correct level.
Step 6. Fill the hole with potting soil
Your replanted tree will need a lot of organic matter and nutrients to adapt to its new location. Purchase potting soil, compost, or a mixture of the two from a nursery. Shovel the soil around the tree roots until the hole is completely filled.
Ask the vendor if he can show you the composition of the soil: a clayey one with a uniform mixture of sand, silt and clay is ideal when replanting trees
Part 3 of 3: Caring for a Replanted Tree
Step 1. Add a 5-8cm layer of mulch around the base of the tree
Apply mulch by forming a ring a few inches from the trunk. This will help the tree retain moisture and will also be helpful in maintaining a mild soil temperature around the plant.
Do not make the mulch ring deeper than 8 cm to avoid choking the tree
Step 2. Water the tree immediately after replanting it
After replanting the tree, keep the soil moist by watering it. Using a garden hose with a steady stream, water the tree for about 30 seconds each time. Continue watering it a couple of times a week, each time for 30 seconds.
- To avoid root rot, the soil should be moist but not soggy.
- Water the tree twice a week during the summer or if you live in a warm climate area.
Step 3. Stake the tree on the ground if you have planted it in a very windy area
To prevent the tree from falling while it is still developing its roots, stabilize it with stakes. Tie 2-3 stakes to the tree trunk with elastic or special gardening straps and plant them in the ground using a hammer or sledgehammer.
Regularly inspect the posts for damage. If they look broken, replace them
Step 4. Don't over prune the tree for a year
After replanting the tree, prune it only to remove dead or broken branches. If you want to remove large branches or alter the shape of the plant, wait at least a year.
Step 5. Avoid fertilizing the tree for 2-3 years
Fertilization is not recommended for newly transplanted trees, as it is ineffective until the roots of the plant have re-established. Wait at least 2 years before applying the fertilizer; until then, continue with mulching and routine watering.
Advice
Trees can take up to 3 years to recover from transplant trauma. Take care of it for 3 years after moving to prevent it from going into shock
Warnings
If the tree is seriously ill or damaged, it is less likely to survive the transplant. If it is really in a critical condition, you could simply replace it
Things You'll Need
- Tree
- Natural untreated canvas
- Upholstery needle
- Untreated twine
- Shovel
- Cart or wheelbarrow
- Topsoil
- Mulch
- Stakes
- Rubber bands or strings
- Gardening hose
