Apple trees are usually purchased as half-stem or standard trees and should no longer be transplanted after about five years in the garden. Any subsequent transplanting then represents a risk.
How to successfully transplant an apple tree?
Apple trees can be successfully transplanted by transplanting them during dormancy between November and April, carefully digging up and transporting the root ball, and providing the tree with humus and support posts in the new location.
Reasons for transplanting the apple tree
It's not just a change of place of residence that can be a reason for transplanting an apple tree. Sometimes garden owners only realize after a few years that the tree in question with its crown or roots is too close to a building or the property line. If the wrong location with waterlogging is chosen when planting for the first time, transplanting may be able to save the tree from dying.
Choose the right time
An apple tree cannot simply be dug up at any time of the year. The best chance for successful implementation is during the period of dormant vegetation between November and April. Even then, the tree can only be transplanted as long as the ground is frost-free. Thick branches should be removed from the tree crown in good time before the planned transplanting operation. This not only makes digging out easier, but it also makes it easier for the tree to grow in the new location.
Approach the matter well prepared
For transplanting and transporting the tree, Sue will need at least the following things:
- a spade (€29.00 at Amazon)
- a pair of pruning shears
- a jute bag to protect the root ball
- Wire or string to close the jute bag
- a watering can for watering
- Humus to prepare the new location
The planting hole at the new location should be prepared first if possible and provided with loose humus. In this way, the period of time the roots are exposed to air can be kept as short as possible. Since the roots of an apple tree should not be underestimated, you can usually only transplant a tree whose trunk is not much thicker than a Coke can without heavy equipment.
Careful transplanting increases the chances of success
When digging up the root ball, the size of the ball should be large enough so that as many fine roots as possible can remain on the tree. Roots that extend too far are pierced cleanly with the spade. Transporting the bale in a jute bag prevents too much soil from falling during transport. At the new location, the tree should be provided with support posts that allow it to root better even in windy weather.
Tips & Tricks
Transplanting an apple tree is possible with young specimens if a few rules about the season and procedure are followed.
