Many a gardener has already misjudged the growth potential of his fruit trees, since the small apple tree, which is just one meter high, threatens to develop into a large fruit tree with a broad crown within a few years. If the previous location does not have enough space, it makes sense to move it. This usually works without any problems as long as the tree has not been in this place for more than three to four years.
Small fruit trees can still be transplanted easily
spring or autumn? The best time for transplanting
Young fruit trees should be planted in autumn if possible. If, on the other hand, an older tree is to be moved, early spring is recommended for this measure. Transplanting always means extreme stress for a plant, especially since many roots - especially fine roots - are destroyed during such an action. In order to limit the damage and to make it easier for the tree to grow in the new location, you should carry out the preparatory measures in autumn and finally the actual conversion in spring.
Preparatory work
In tree nurseries, trees and shrubs are generally transplanted every three years. The reason for this lies in the root development: the longer a tree remains in its place, the further away its roots are from the trunk - which in turn makes later transplanting more difficult or even impossible. The frequent cutting of the roots, on the other hand, ensures that the rootstock remains compact. If an older fruit tree is to be transplanted in the garden, you can proceed in the same way and thus limit the damage from the outset:
- In autumn, before you actually transplant, cut off the roots of the tree all around.
- To do this, dig a wide trench around the tree.
- The diameter should be slightly larger than the width of the tree crown.
- Use a sharp spade capable of severing the roots.
- Also cut off the roots below the root ball.
- Mix the excavation with plenty of mature compost.
- Fill in the ditch again.
- Water the tree well and mulch the root area.
Now the tree should remain in its place for at least half a year, better still a year. During this time, it forms a compact hair root system close to the trunk, which will make it easier for it to grow at the new location. Now you can reopen the filled-up ditch, dig up the tree and put it back in its new location.
tips
It makes sense to combine transplanting with a pruning of about a third.