Replant a Tree
Moving a tree from 1 spot to another by yourself can be a daunting task if it's a large tree. It can, however, be rewarding once you learn how to replant a tree properly. By learning how to replant a tree, you can maximize the tree's chances for survival and help it flourish in its new environment.
Steps
- Locate the spot where you will be replanting the tree. For best results, research the tree type to determine the amount of space and sunlight the tree needs.
- Use a hose or watering can to moisten the soil around the tree thoroughly about 3 to 4 days prior to the move.
- Identify the tree's roots. You will need to leave as much of the tree's root system in place as possible.
- Mark 1 side of the tree before the move process. When you replant the tree, place it in the hole with the mark in the same position the tree originally grew in.
- Use a sharp spade to dig a trench around the tree's base its roots. The trench needs to be approximately {{safesubst:#invoke:convert|convert}} deep (.46 to .61 m).
- Dig out the tree with your spade, and leave the roots and surrounding dirt intact. The appropriate ratio for the "root ball," or clump of root and soil, is 8 to 12 inches (20.3 to 30.5 cm) for every 1 inch (2.54 cm) of trunk diameter.
- Pull the tree out of the hole, and round out the bottom of the root ball using the spade. Cut beneath the roots as necessary to form a ball.
- Tip the tree and root ball to 1 side. Place a piece of burlap large enough to wrap around the root ball underneath the upended side.
- Tip or roll the root ball gently onto the burlap. Try not to displace any dirt.
- Wrap the burlap around the root ball very tightly, and secure it around the base of the trunk with heavy twine.
- Lift and carry the tree by the root ball, not the trunk. Transport it to the transplanted spot.
- Dig a hole in the tree's new location. The hole should be 2 to 3 times the size of your root ball. The depth of the hole should be approximately 1 inch (2.54 cm) less than the height of the root ball, so the top of the burlap will still be showing once the tree is placed in the ground.
- Lower the tree gently into the hole. Position it using the mark you created, and make sure it faces the sun in its original direction. Point the trunk and foliage straight up, and use your spade or shovel to begin filling the unearthed dirt back in to the hole.
- Pack the dirt into the hole and around the root ball with your hands as you go. This will provide the tree with much needed stability.
- Cut and remove the twine holding the burlap to the trunk with your scissors once the hole is 2/3 full. You will also need to cut away any burlap which is still exposed.
- Fill in the remainder of dirt you removed from the hole, creating a slight mound around the trunk base.
- Water the newly replanted tree thoroughly.
- Monitor the tree closely over the next month or so, and water it every 10 to 14 days if it has not rained.
Tips
- When cutting the tree out of its hole and rounding the root ball, use quick, firm strokes. You need to sever the roots as cleanly and carefully as possible to minimize stress. Inspect the root system prior to replanting, and use a sharp knife to sever any damaged or shredded roots.
- You can improve your chances of success by transplanting a tree at the right time of the year. The optimal time to transplant deciduous trees occurs before growth begins in the spring or in the fall after the leaves drop. Move evergreens in the early spring or late summer.
- After removing the tree from its original location, replant it as soon as possible. The longer the tree is out of the ground, the less likely it will survive the move.
- If the tree you are moving has low branches, consider tying them up with twine before digging to prevent injury.
- The more roots you are able to leave with the tree, the better its chance of survival. Replanting a tree is extremely stressful, and cutting away too many roots may cause it to go into shock and die.
Warnings
- Avoid breaking the soil ball during the digging, moving, or replanting process. The tree will need to acclimate to the new soil, and keeping it intact with the old soil is required to help it survive.
- Trees larger than 2 inches (5.1 cm) in trunk diameter are heavy and sometimes difficult to move. If your tree exceeds this limit, consider asking for help from others or hiring a nursery to move it.
Things You'll Need
- Tree
- Hose or watering can
- Spade or shovel
- Pruning shears
- Burlap
- Heavy twine
- Scissors
- Sharp knife
Related Articles
- Repot Bonsai Trees
- Transplant a Young Tree
- Save a Tree when Transplanting
- Plant a Palm Tree
