A change of location is considered the greatest challenge for a slotted maple. In order for the Asian ornamental tree to survive the exertion healthy and sound, it depends on the right approach. This guide explains in detail when and how to successfully transplant an Acer palmatum.
The larger the slotted maple, the more complicated the transplanting
The best time is in spring
If you don't pay close attention, you'll end up with a slotted maple in an unsuitable location. Loss of leaves, stunted growth and diseases are the inevitable results and can only be remedied by transplanting. Although the symptoms appear in the middle of the growing season, please wait until early spring. If you choose a date shortly before the start of budding, a slotted maple can usually cope with the procedure unscathed.
How to properly transplant slotted maple - step-by-step instructions
An important premise for a successful change of location is the preservation of as large a quantity of substrate as possible from the previous location. This is how you plant your slotted maple in an exemplary manner:
- Cut off the root ball around the diameter of the crown
- Widen the cut area to a trench 5-10 cm wide
- Starting from this furrow, use a digging fork and spade to lift out the root ball
Immediately wrap the root ball in a jute sack (€10.99) so that no valuable soil is lost during transport to the new location. Plant the slotted maple while preserving the previous planting depth. Ideally, fill the planting pit with a mix of excavation and rhododendron soil. A generous supply of water on the day of transplanting and in the weeks that follow will ensure that the tree or shrub takes root well.
Pruning completes the workflow
The date recommendation is based not least on the fact that transplanting trees and shrubs always requires adequate pruning, which should ideally take place before budding begins. The aim of this measure is to compensate for the lost root mass. Cut back the shoots until the balance between root and branch volume is restored.
tips
Regular transplanting is mandatory for a slotted maple in a pot. If root strands grow out of the bottom opening or press up through the substrate, please repot the tree into a larger bucket. The best date for the measure is at the end of the leafless period, as soon as the first leaves sprout.