If you want or need to move your walnut tree, you will need to dig up the plant. This is a very difficult and tedious task - after all, you are dealing with a strong taproot that only shows a few lateral and fine roots at the top. In this guide you will receive short, practical instructions for digging up your walnut tree as well as additional tips and advice.
How to dig up a walnut tree?
To dig up a walnut tree, you need a sharp spade (€29.00 on Amazon) or an axe. Dig up the tree with the ball at least 50 cm deep and cut the taproot by piercing it to the side. Note that digging up a large tree is risky and may cause growth problems.
Important preliminary remark
Digging up young trees is still relatively easy. But with a walnut that has already broken the two-meter mark, it is better to avoid it unless there is an absolute need to dig up the tree - for your sake and for the he alth of the plant.
Note: Digging up and transplanting the walnut tree can result in years of stunting and partial loss of the crown.
Why dig up a walnut tree?
There are several reasons why it may be necessary to remove a walnut tree from its current location. As a rule, it is a matter of moving the plant to a different place because it is in its current “territory”
a) there are no suitable growing conditions orb) is not welcome.
A) Sometimes it happens that you put the walnut tree in a place that is too narrow the first time - usually due to inexperience. But the walnut takes up a lot of space, at least over the years. However, the walnut is not particularly picky when it comes to soil. Moist, slightly sandy and deep soils are ideal for walnut trees, but they can also cope with other substrates (they can only cope with waterlogging, poor ventilation and too much sand).
About b) The walnut may threaten to grow beyond your own property, which will displease the neighbors or endanger road safety. Situations of this variety also require digging up (and replanting) the tree, otherwise you will find yourself in trouble with the law.
Dig up a walnut tree – instructions
- Take a sharp spade (€29.00 on Amazon) or an ax - depending on the size of the tree.
- Dig up your walnut tree with plenty of bales. The taproot is very difficult to cut. You need strength and endurance to master the task. Lateral stabbing with your chosen tool is the best method, as proven time and again in practice. Dig the bale deep - at least 50 centimeters.
