A change of location means a special torture for every maple tree. Although the procedure always involves a risk of failure, you can prevent potential dangers in advance. This guide explains how to successfully transplant a maple tree.
How to properly transplant a maple tree?
To successfully transplant a maple, choose the leafless period between October and February, prepare the tree in summer, cut the crown back by a third and carefully dig up the root ball. Then place the maple in the prepared pit and provide it with sufficient water.
Choosing a date and preparing – tips & tricks for success
A proven rule of thumb says that a maple tree can cope with a move to a new location within the first 5 years of growth. The best time for the measure is during the leafless period between October and February. The preparatory work begins in the summer. How to prepare your maple for stress:
- 4 to 6 months before transplanting, cut off the root disk all around in the radius of the crown
- Expand the cut area into a 10 to 20 cm wide trench
- Fill the furrow with compost and water regularly
- In summer, cover the ditch with bark mulch
Thanks to this approach, you motivate the maple tree to increase the growth of fine roots, which will later force rapid rooting in the new location.
Instructions for transplanting – how to do it correctly
On the chosen date, first cut the crown back by a third. In this way you compensate for the lost root volume. Then dig up the root ball - starting from the compost trench. Proceed as follows:
- Put the root ball in a jute bag with as much soil as possible
- Dig the pit at the new location so deep that the previous planting depth is maintained
- Insert the maple tree in the middle and fill the cavities with compost
- Tamp the soil firmly and water it generously
- Water regularly in the following weeks
For improved stability until rooting, we suggest the following measure: At a distance of 30 cm, drive 3 wooden stakes about 50 cm deep into the ground around the maple tree. Connect the supports and trunk with coconut ropes.
Tip
For slot maple trees that are sensitive to frost, autumn is not the best time to transplant the tree. The Asian shrubs and small trees can no longer root in the ground in time before winter and are threatened by frost damage. In this exceptional case, early spring is the better choice of date.
