Surely you know the saying "You don't transplant an old tree". There is something to it - old, large trees are actually more difficult to move than young ones. But even if such a project is not without risk, it is always better than an alternative felling.
Very small conifers can be transplanted without any problems
Transplanting requires careful preparation
Older conifers in particular that have been in their location for more than three to five years require careful preparation before being transplanted. As early as August of the previous year, a ditch about 50 centimeters deep must be dug around the tree, with a radius of at least 30 centimeters - and significantly more, the older and larger the tree is. Then fill the trench with mature compost or loose, good garden soil. This measure cuts the roots and ensures that a more compact root ball develops by the following year. This in turn facilitates the transfer and subsequent growth of the tree.
Transplant conifers - this is how it works
A year later, preferably in August or September, you can finally transplant the tree. Proceed as follows:
- Tie the branches together with rope to keep them from breaking.
- Now dig the trench again.
- Cut through existing roots with a sharp spade.
- Roots that run downwards should also be cut off.
- To do this, drive the spade diagonally downwards into the earth.
- Now loosen the root ball with the help of a digging fork.
- Lift out the tree with the root ball.
- Have at least one other person help you with this.
- The new planting hole should be about twice the size of the root ball.
- Loosen the soil well - also on the bottom of the planting hole.
- Mix the excavation with compost and horn shavings.(32.93€)
- Fill the planting hole with water and wait until it has drained.
- Now plant the tree again.
- Fill in the soil and tamp it down firmly.
- Water liberally.
- Cover the tree pit with a layer of mulch, such as bark mulch, compost or grass clippings.
What to do if the needles turn yellow / brown
If the needles turn yellow or brown after transplanting, then there is most likely an imbalance between the reduced root mass and the above-ground parts of the plant. These can no longer be adequately supplied with fewer roots. A pruning can help, but is not advisable for every conifer.
tips
Thorough watering is extremely important in the weeks after transplanting to ensure the roots get enough moisture. They cannot yet absorb the water from the ground themselves.