"You don't transplant an old tree," as the saying goes - and he's right. Moving a tree that has been in its place for many years requires careful consideration. After all, this measure is associated with considerable risks, as many trees then no longer grow. On the other hand, you are better off with young trees that have only been in their previous location for up to five years - here the success rate is significantly higher. With good preparation and thorough care, not too much should go wrong when transplanting an older specimen.
Small trees can still be moved relatively easily
preparation
The main reason why many trees no longer grow and die after transplanting is to be found in the roots. The longer a tree stands at its location, the further and, depending on the type of root, the deeper its roots spread. These must of course be cut when transplanting, so that a large part of the above-ground parts of the plant can no longer be supplied. However, this effect can be minimized with the right preparation.
root training
This includes raising the roots into a compact ball, which is moved as a whole when moving. The advantage is that fewer roots are cut and the tree grows back more easily. And that's how it works:
- In the previous year, dig a trench at least 50 centimeters deep around the tree trunk.
- The radius should be about the circumference of the crown (for deciduous trees) or at least 30 to 50 centimeters (for conifers).
- Cut through existing roots with a sharp spade.
- Fill the trench with mature compost or good, nutrient-rich potting soil.
- Pour thoroughly.
Within a year, the tree forms numerous new fine roots, which remain compact on the ball and are therefore easier to transplant.
pruning
Also part of the preparation is the pruning, which should be done immediately before transplanting. However, not every tree tolerates this measure, so it is better to skip this step for many conifer species. Deciduous trees, on the other hand, are being shortened by around a third. Such a pruning makes sense because the roots are lost when they are moved and the remaining parts have trouble taking care of the above-ground parts of the plant - instead of investing their energy in growing at the new location.
Implementation - This is how you proceed when transplanting
The actual transplanting is best done in autumn or early spring. That's how it works:
- Dig up the ditch from last year.
- Cut through any existing roots with a sharp spade.
- This also applies to roots growing downwards,
- To do this, pierce the spade diagonally downwards.
- Strong, thick roots sometimes have to be uncovered and cut with a saw or axe.
- Now take a digging fork and loosen the root ball all around.
- Lift the tree out, if possible with the help of other people.
- Dig a sufficiently large planting hole.
- Thoroughly loosen the soil at the bottom and sides of the hole.
- Fill in water and let it seep away.
- Mix the excavation with compost and horn shavings.(32.93€)
- Replant the tree and tie it up if necessary.
- Water thoroughly and deeply.
tips
If the tree droops in the first few hours and days after transplanting, maybe even turning a few brown and dropping off, this is normal. However, he should recover quickly. Plentiful watering and mulching of the tree disc helps.