In contrast to potted plants, which should be repotted regularly, planted trees should not be replanted if possible. Sometimes, however, such a measure is unavoidable, for example if the Japanese maple is in danger of dying from wilt disease or is in the wrong location.
How to transplant a Japanese maple?
To successfully transplant a Japanese maple, choose the leafless time, dig up the root area over a wide area, cut back damaged roots and plant parts, and plant the tree in its new location. Then water abundantly and regularly.
Relocating the Japanese maple needs to be carefully considered
Basically the rule applies: the smaller the tree (and the smaller the circumference of its trunk), the more likely the project is to succeed. Younger trees up to around four years old are usually not yet very well established in their current location, and they are also easier to handle than older specimens. However, the implementation needs to be carefully considered, because the sensitive Japanese maple can take this measure very seriously. However, there are good reasons for moving
- wrong location (too little / too much sun)
- unsuitable soil (too solid, wrong pH value)
- wet ground / waterlogging
- Wilt disease outbreak
In all of the scenarios described, the Japanese maple is in danger of withering away or even dying even without a change of location, which is why transplanting would be the wiser choice in these cases.
Transplanting only in the leafless period
However, if possible, the Japanese maple should only be transplanted when there are no leaves. Digging up and moving damages many fine and coarser roots, so that the tree is no longer adequately supplied with water and nutrients. Since there are no leaves on the tree between November and April that need to be cared for, moving in these months is safer. However, similar to removing the roots, the above-ground parts of the plant should also be cut back.
What to do if you have wilt disease?
One exception, however, is wilt disease caused by a fungus, where the Japanese maple tree susceptible to it can often only be saved through quick and courageous intervention. Here, pruning and transplanting should be done completely independently of the right time, after all, it is an emergency.
Procedure for transplanting
When actually transplanting, do it as quickly and painlessly as possible. Dig off the root area in a wide area and in a circle around the tree and use a spade or a digging fork to loosen the root area even underneath the maple tree. Lift it out carefully, check the roots and cut the tree back if necessary. Then put it back in its new location.
Tip
Support the transplanted Japanese maple in the new location with one or two plant stakes and water it abundantly and regularly.