If an apple tree was planted in the wrong or temporary place or taken over in an existing garden, it may be necessary to relocate the tree. Depending on the size of the tree, different complex measures are necessary.

It is difficult or impossible to transplant an old tree

The proverb from the vernacular about the old tree that is no longer transplanted has its justification. Fruit trees such as apple trees in particular are extremely sensitive to being moved to a new location as they get older. So if an apple tree is not to be transplanted until several years after copulation, a corresponding effort must be made to dig it up, prepare the new planting hole and water it within the first few weeks after the transplant.

Trunk thickness and tree crown determine the effort

If the trunk is more than eight centimeters thick, moving an apple tree may require the use of heavy machinery such as an excavator or lifting crane. Smaller trees can usually be transplanted by hand using the following equipment:

  • Planting spade with a sharp cutting edge
  • loose humus for the new planting hole
  • Water for sufficient slurry at the new location
  • Plant shears for roots and treetops

Since an apple tree has many fine hairy roots, the rule of thumb is that the root ball to be dug out should be about as wide as the crown of the tree. Since this is not always possible due to the size, protruding roots are neatly cut off with a spade and scissors.

Increase the tree's chances of surviving in the new location

So that the decimated root ball can still ensure the supply of the apple tree, the tree crown usually has to be massively trimmed. In addition, the new planting hole should be larger and lined with loose humus so that the tree can root well. For the apple tree, which has shallow roots, the width of the planting hole is more important than the depth. In addition, a watering rim can be modeled in the soil around the trunk, which facilitates the water supply in the initial period after transplanting.

tips and tricks

Moving an apple tree of a certain size can be laborious, but it can save time before the first major harvest compared to planting a seedling.

Category:

Trees