How to Transplant Trees
Transplanting a tree is not hard to do. You just have to be careful when doing it to avoid causing too much damage on the tree. Here are some pointers you may follow when transplanting trees.
Steps:
Pick the right sapling. Choosing a sampling that can be transplanted is very important. Big saplings may be hard to dig out without damaging their roots. A good sapling is one that you can dig out while keeping the roots intact. Its base should be about 2 or 3 inches thick. Oak, birch, eucalyptus and magnolia are good examples of trees that can be transplanted.
Find a good area for planting your tree. Remember not to put trees to close to one another. Your tree should have enough space for it to grow properly. Find an area that will give it enough sun. Also consider the kind of soil that you have. There are some that are not good for growing trees.
Dig a hole appropriate to the size of the base of your tree. Try making a hole twice as big as your tree’s root ball. This will give enough space for the roots to spread out and grow.
Dig out the tree you want to transplant. Using a sharp shovel will avoid damaging the root system of your tree.
Carefully lift the tree. If you’re planning on transplanting a bare root, remember that bare root trees are best transplanted during early spring. A soil ball should be about 2/3 wider than the base of the tree.
Protect the roots. At this point, you want to prevent the root system from being damaged by the sun, wind and temperature.
Plant the tree. You have to transplant the tree as quickly as possible. Waiting for a few days before planting the tree may not be a good idea. Make sure not to plant the tree too deep. An appropriate level is the same level your tree was planted before you dug it out.
Enrich the soil. Adding fertilizer at this stage may not be advisable. You have to wait until the tree has adapted to its new location before using fertilizers. You can use compost for your tree.
Water your tree regularly. Trees need water and sun for it to be healthy. Give your tree adequate water. During hot season, you may want to water it more than you usually do.
Trees need adequate care and attention. Your responsibility for your tree doesn’t end after you’ve planted it. Make sure to regularly water your tree and protect them from the wind and extreme temperatures.