News And Advice From The Leading Thousand Oaks Tree Trimming Company
Nothing is permanent in life and that certainly applies to your yard’s landscaping. As enticing as that orange tree in your backyard may be, changing circumstances may require you to remove it. The tree might not be in the perfect location to truly thrive. Or it might have just gotten too big for the area. Or you might be adding a pool or patio right where it’s at. Hold on, though – there’s an alternative to simply removing it: transplanting.
Deciding if you should transplant a tree raises all kinds of questions. Now that we’re in early autumn, you might rightly ask, can I move that tree this time of year? There’s a lot consider, so let’s take a quick look at all you need to know to safely transplant a tree (or two).
The Best Time To Transplant
The best time of year to transplant a tree is during the dormant season, typically in early spring or late fall. This is when the plant is not actively growing, reducing stress and giving it time to establish roots before the hot summer or cold winter.
Early Spring (before buds break): This is a great time because the tree will wake up from dormancy soon after being transplanted and can start growing roots in its new location.
Late Fall — Also A Good Time: After the leaves have fallen, the plant is dormant and can focus on root development rather than supporting active growth. The cool weather also helps minimize stress.
You want to avoid mid-summer because the heat can make it harder for the plant to recover.
Before You Begin
Proper soil preparation is crucial for a successful tree transplant, as it ensures that the tree’s roots can grow and access water and nutrients efficiently. Here’s how you can prepare the soil for transplanting a tree:
Test the Soil. Check pH and nutrient levels by using a soil test kit. Most trees prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0–7.0), but requirements vary by species.
Test for drainage: Dig a small hole and fill it with water. If it drains within a few hours, the soil is well-drained. If it takes longer, consider amending the soil to improve drainage.
Clear the Area. Remove weeds, grass and debris from the planting area to reduce competition for water and nutrients. Make sure the planting area is free of large rocks or other obstacles that might impede root growth.
Loosen the Soil. Dig a wide hole — about two to three times the width of the tree’s root ball. This encourages root expansion and growth into the surrounding soil. The hole should be no deeper than the root ball itself to avoid the tree being planted too deep. The root flare (where the trunk meets the roots) should be at or just above ground level. Loosen the soil in the planting hole and surrounding area to encourage easy root penetration. This is particularly important in compacted or clay soils.
Amend the Soil (if necessary). If your soil is poor (sandy, heavy clay or low in nutrients), mix in some organic material such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve texture and nutrient content. This can help with moisture retention in sandy soils and improve drainage in clay soils. However, avoid over-amending. The soil in the hole should be similar to the surrounding soil to prevent the roots from staying confined in the planting hole. You want the roots to grow outward. Also, organic material is different than fertilizer. It’s usually best not to add fertilizer at planting time, as this can encourage leaf growth over root growth. Wait until the tree is established before fertilizing.
It’s Time to Transplant!
Watering. Water the plant thoroughly a day or two before transplanting. This helps hydrate the roots and makes digging easier.
Prune if Necessary. Prune dead or damaged branches to reduce water loss during the transplant. Don’t remove too much at once; the plant still needs to maintain some growth to photosynthesize and recover.
Dig Out the Tree Carefully. Dig a trench around the tree, staying far enough away to preserve as much of the root system as possible (about 12 inches of root ball diameter for every inch of trunk thickness for trees). Lift the tree by the root ball, not by the trunk or branches, to avoid damage. You may need to wrap the root ball in burlap to keep it intact, especially for larger plants.
Transport the Plant. Move the tree as quickly as possible to avoid exposing the roots to air for too long. Keep the root ball covered and moist during transportation.
Water and Mulch. Water the plant deeply immediately after transplanting to help the soil settle and ensure the roots have moisture. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base (but not directly touching the trunk) to retain moisture and regulate soil temperature.
The Days Following. Water regularly during the first year, especially during dry periods, as the tree establishes new roots. Aim for deep watering to encourage root growth. Avoid fertilizing right away. Wait until the next growing season to apply fertilizer, as too much nutrient availability can stress the tree.
Now feel free to remodel that back yard or redesign your landscaping to your heart’s content!