The birch is a tree with high decorative value. Just because she's in the wrong place doesn't mean her life has to end, does it? But not every wish can be fulfilled always and at all times. We take a crucial look at their root system.
Can a birch tree be transplanted?
The roots of a birch tree are difficult to dig up without damage. However, the tree does not cope well with large root losses, combined with the necessary crown reduction. Therefore, only transplant a birch treein the first four years of existence, ideally in spring before budding.
What kind of root system does the birch tree have?
In well-loosened soil, the roots of a birch tree only reach a depth of 70 to 120 cm on average. Going so deep when digging shouldn't be a big problem, even with a birch tree in your garden. The project fails because theroots, which are up to 20 m long, spread very flat and over a wide area. An older birch tree has richly branched roots for many meters around the base. The birch is therefore a typical shallow-rooted tree.
How do I transplant a birch tree correctly?
The bigger the tree is, the more difficult it will be to dig it out. Therefore, organize a few helping hands in good time, possibly a small excavator and tools to support the birch tree.
1. Prepare the soil at the new location: loosen it, remove weeds, etc.
2. Dig a large planting hole and create drainage.
3. Mix the excavated material with compost.
4. Dig up the birch carefully. Start far from the base.
5. If there is major root loss, cut the branches back accordingly.
6. Place the root ball in the planting hole and align the tree.
7. Attach stakes to which you can later securely tie the birch tree.
8. Fill the gaps with soil, tamp it down well to enclose all the roots.
9. Water the root area well.10. Water the tree regularly throughout the growing season, especially on warm, dry days.
Can I transplant the birch tree in autumn?
The birch can be transplanted in autumn. But the chances that it will take root again in the new location aresignificantly better in spring After planting, it benefits from the awakened vigor, which lasts over many warm months. In this way, she can quickly “repair” any damage and take over the complete care of the birch tree in a short time.
Tip
Sometimes new planting is more worthwhile than transplanting
If a particularly large birch tree needs to be transplanted, there are two challenges: the chances of it growing are poor, and digging it out is time-consuming and laborious. Since birch trees are very fast-growing, it may make more sense to cut down the old birch tree and plant a young birch tree from the nursery in the new location.
