How to Transplant Trees: A Complete Guide
Trees are the towering champions of our gardens, offering shade, beauty, and a host of ecological benefits. There may come a time when you need to move a tree, whether for landscape design, a tree’s health, or construction needs.
When and Why Should You Transplant Trees?
What Circumstances Necessitate Tree Transplanting?
There are numerous situations where you may need to transplant a tree. For instance:
  • Landscape Redesign: If you’re updating your garden’s layout or adding new elements like a pond, patio, or garden shed, you might need to move a tree to a new location to accommodate these changes.
  • Tree Health: Transplanting can also become necessary for the health of the tree. If a tree is growing too close to a building, other trees, or utility lines, it can become stressed or pose a risk. Similarly, if it’s not thriving due to unsuitable soil, insufficient sunlight, or poor drainage in its current location, moving it can improve its health and growth.
  • Construction Needs: If you’re planning a home extension or other construction work, you may need to clear space. Transplanting the tree can preserve it rather than resorting to removal.
When you encounter these situations, take a moment to weigh the pros and cons. Transplanting a tree can be stressful for the plant and labor-intensive for you, so it should be a considered decision.
When is the Best Time to Transplant Trees?
The timing of the transplant can significantly affect the tree’s survival rate. Here are a few guidelines to follow:
  • Deciduous Trees: For these leaf-shedding trees, the best time to transplant is during dormancy, in late winter or early spring before buds break out. Transplanting during this period minimizes sap loss and gives the tree time to establish new roots before the leafy growth begins.
  • Evergreen Trees: While evergreens can technically be transplanted any time of the year, the ideal periods are late summer and early autumn, or early spring for some species. The moderate temperatures and rainfall help the tree recover from the transplant shock.
  • Avoid Extremes: Whatever the species, avoid transplanting in extreme conditions, such as the height of summer or depths of winter, when the tree is either stressed by heat or unable to grow due to cold.
How to Prepare a Tree for Transplanting?
Pre-Transplant Care Does a Tree Need?
Proper preparation can make the difference between a successful and unsuccessful transplant. Here are some steps to take:
  • Root Pruning: About six months to a year before the planned move, root prune the tree to encourage the growth of a more compact, transportable root ball. To do this, use a sharp spade to cut a circle around the tree, at a distance of about a foot for every inch of the tree’s trunk diameter. This severs the long, anchoring roots and encourages the growth of new, fibrous roots nearer the trunk.
  • Hydration: Starting a few days before the move, water the tree thoroughly. This helps to reduce transplant shock and makes it easier to remove the root ball intact. However, avoid overwatering as this can cause root rot.
  • Disease Prevention: Check the tree for signs of pests or disease. If any are present, treat them before the move to avoid transferring the problem to the new location.
How Should You Prepare the New Site for the Tree?
Proper preparation of the new site is just as important as preparing the tree itself:
  • Site Selection: The new site should be chosen with the tree’s needs in mind. Consider factors like sunlight, soil type, drainage, and space for future growth. Keep in mind any potential hazards like overhead or underground utility lines.
  • Soil Preparation: If the soil at the new site isn’t ideal, amend it. For clay soils, add organic matter to improve drainage. For sandy soils, add compost or topsoil to improve water and nutrient retention.
  • Digging the Hole: The hole should be two to three times wider than the root ball and as deep as the tree was previously growing. Avoid digging too deep as the tree can settle and end up too low, which can lead to waterlogging and root rot.
How to Transplant a Tree Safely and Effectively?
How Should You Dig Up a Tree for Transplanting?
Carefully extracting a tree for transplanting requires patience and precision. Follow these steps to ensure minimal damage to the tree’s root system:
  • Initial Digging: Begin by digging a trench around the tree. This should be done at the drip line of the tree, which is the outermost circumference of the tree’s canopy where water drips from the leaves. The trench should be deep enough to get under the root ball.
  • Root Ball Extraction: Gradually deepen and widen the trench, undercutting the root ball. Use loppers or a saw to sever larger roots. Try to keep as much soil with the roots as possible.
  • Lifting the Tree: Once the tree is free, gently lift the tree from the hole. For large trees, this may require machinery such as a tree spade. Be careful not to damage the trunk or branches.
  • Preparing for Transport: Wrap the root ball in burlap to keep the soil in place during the move. Tie it securely but not too tight around the trunk.
What are the Steps to Planting a Transplanted Tree?
The process of planting a transplanted tree needs to be done with care to ensure the tree’s future health:
  • Positioning the Tree: Place the tree in the center of the hole. Make sure it is standing straight. The top of the root ball should be level with or slightly above the surrounding soil.
  • Backfilling: Backfill the hole with the same soil that was removed, breaking up any large clods. Firm the soil gently around the base of the tree to remove air pockets but avoid compacting it excessively as this can hinder root growth.
  • Initial Watering: Water the tree thoroughly after planting. This will help the soil settle around the roots. If the tree sinks too much after watering, add more soil to bring it back to the correct level.
Post-Transplant Care for Trees
How Should You Care for a Tree Immediately After Transplanting?
The first few days and weeks after transplanting are critical for a tree’s survival. Here’s what you need to do to take care of a newly transplanted tree:
  • Watering: Trees lose a significant portion of their root system during transplanting, making adequate hydration crucial. In the initial weeks, ensure the soil is kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. A slow, deep watering method is recommended.
  • Staking: If the transplanted tree is tall or planted in a windy location, consider staking it to provide stability. Use soft, wide materials to tie the tree to the stakes, and remember to remove them after the first year.
  • Protecting from Weather Extremes: Guard the tree against harsh weather conditions. If expecting a frost, cover the tree with burlap or a specialized tree wrap. During hot, sunny days, consider using a shade cloth to prevent sun scorch.
How Can You Ensure the Long-Term Health of a Transplanted Tree?
Long-term care is just as important as immediate post-transplant care. Here’s what you should keep in mind:
  • Regular Watering: Even after the tree is established, continue watering it, especially during dry spells. The frequency of watering will depend on the tree species, soil type, and climate.
  • Feeding: Wait until the tree shows signs of new growth before applying any fertilizer. Over-fertilization can burn the roots and inhibit water uptake. Use a slow-release, balanced fertilizer and follow the instructions on the label.
  • Pruning: Prune the tree only to remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches in the first year after transplanting. Delay other pruning until the second or third year when the tree has recovered from transplanting stress.
  • Monitoring for Signs of Stress or Disease: Keep an eye on your tree for any signs of transplant shock such as yellowing leaves, wilting, or branch dieback. If you notice these symptoms, adjust your care routine as needed. If the problem persists, consult with a local arborist or extension service.
Transplanting trees is a monumental task, requiring patience, planning, and hard work. However, the effort pays off when you see your tree thriving in its new location, continuing to provide shade, beauty, and ecological benefits for many years to come.