In contrast to potted plants, which should be repotted regularly, outplanted trees should not be replanted if possible. Sometimes, however, such a measure is unavoidable, for example when Japanese maple threatens to die from wilt disease or is in the wrong location.

Japanese maples should only be transplanted in an emergency

Moving the Japanese maple needs to be well thought out

Basically, the rule applies: the smaller the tree (and the smaller the circumference of its trunk), the more likely it is that the project will succeed. Younger trees up to an age of about four years are usually not too well established at their previous location, and they are also more manageable than older specimens. Nevertheless, the move needs to be well thought out, because the sensitive Japanese maple can take this measure very badly. However, there are good reasons to move

  • wrong location (too little / too much sun)
  • unsuitable soil (too firm, wrong pH value)
  • wet ground / waterlogging
  • outbreak of wilt disease

In all the scenarios described, the Japanese maple threatens to wither or even die without a change of location, which is why transplanting would be the wiser choice in these cases.

Transplant only in the leafless period

However, the Japanese maple should only be transplanted in the leafless period if possible. By digging up and moving, many fine and also coarser roots are damaged, so that the tree is then no longer sufficiently supplied with water and nutrients. Since there are no leaves on the tree between November and April that need to be taken care of, moving in these months is safer. However, analogous to removing the roots, the above-ground parts of the plant should also be cut back.

What to do with wilt disease?

An exception, however, is the wilt disease caused by a fungus, in which the Japanese maple, which is susceptible to it, can often only be saved by quick and courageous intervention. Here, the pruning and transplanting should be done independently of the right time, after all it is an emergency.

Procedure for transplanting

The following applies to the actual transplanting: Proceed as quickly and painlessly as possible. Cut out the root area in a wide and circular manner around the tree and loosen the root area underneath the maple tree with the help of a spade or a digging fork. Lift it out carefully, check the roots and cut back the sapling if necessary. Then put it back in its new location.

tips

Support the transplanted Japanese maple in the new location with a planting stake or two, and water generously and regularly.

Category:

Trees