Sometimes it takes a few years to realize that the originally small tree has actually grown quite large - far too large for its current location. Or the 100-year-old beech tree, which is too valuable to be felled, has to make way for an urban construction project. No matter why transplanting is necessary, it requires lengthy planning.
How to transplant large trees correctly?
To transplant large trees successfully, you should cut the roots in the fall before transplanting, promote a compact root ball formation and after a year plant the tree in its new location with sufficient watering.
Why transplanting large trees is problematic
You cannot simply dig up a large, old tree and replant it in a new location. He will most likely not survive this procedure. The reason for this lies in the countless fine roots that are responsible for absorbing water and nutrients and are therefore vital. These are always far away from the trunk and are simply cut off when digging. The resulting imbalance between the severely shortened root ball and the above-ground part of the tree leads to the tree starving. Incidentally, tree nurseries get around this problem by replanting the trees every three to five years or at least cutting the roots. This allows a compact root system to develop and makes transplanting easier.
How to Transplant a Large Tree
You can also use this trick in your home garden. The best way to do this is as follows:
- In the fall before you plan to transplant, cut off the roots around the tree trunk with a spade (€29.00 on Amazon).
- The selected diameter should roughly correspond to that of the crown.
- Dig a narrow, spade-deep trench.
- Fill this with compost.
- Wait a year until next fall.
- Now dig the trench again.
- The root ball should have developed compactly.
- This way, fewer vital roots are lost when transplanting.
- Cut the roots outside of this ball.
- Loosen the root ball.
- Now dig up the tree and replant it in its new location.
- Don't forget to cut it back by at least a third.
- Water plenty, this makes growing easier.
For very large and old trees, this work can only be carried out with appropriately heavy equipment. In this case, it makes sense to entrust the task to a specialist company. This also increases the chance that the tree will survive the procedure.
Tip
If it is clear to you that you want or need to move the young tree at some point, adopt the nursery method: cut the roots every three years to achieve compact growth.
