How do I safely transplant a two and a half year old apple tree?

Question

I live in Portland, OR. The apple tree was planted between the sidewalk and the street. City code does not allow this type of tree there. I'd like to move it into my backyard. The tree came from a seed that started germinating inside an apple my 8 year old son was eating. He saved it an d planted it. Therefore, it has sentimental value. I'd like to save it if I can. I have good soil in the yard.

Answer 1

Like Alex says, move in dormancy with a rootball.

I like to use a file to sharpen a spade before I dig small trees up, so the roots are cut clean.

A 2 year old apple is probably the size of a fat pencil, so a huge root ball is not needed, but have a pot handy to put it in.

Plant the tree so that the area of transition between root and stem (basal flair) is at or just above grade. This will help the tree avoid stem girdling roots (SGR), which are caused from planting too deep. A disorganized root system develops, encircling the trunk. Root and trunk cannot grow together, so the stem dies out.

below is a very good paper on SGR's and planting too deep I've been to talks by Johnson and Haure (authers at U of Minn) and the have statistics that prove that planting just a few inches too deep will take years off a trees potential life expectancy

Answer 2

Transplant Apple Tree

Answer 3

Mostly good advice here. I own a landscape company in Minneapolis and we plant/move lots of stuff.

The only one I don't agree with is the previous poster's recommendation to chop at the roots a while before transplanting. When you dig the tree up, some roots will get nicked off and the tree will start sending more energy to the roots at that time. No need to cause that to happen sooner as it will just put the tree in a stressed state for a month before you move it, making it weaker and less likely to transplant.

The main thing is to dig as large a root ball as you can physically move. This leaves as much of the existing roots intact as possible. You said you have good soil, so your soil should be fine to backfill the tree when you put it in the new hole.

You'll want to water the tree regularly the first month after transplanting--- but don't overwater! Stick your finger in the soil around it and if it's still wet near the surface, imagine how wet it still is down lower. Wait to water then.

People kill plants by overwatering as much as underwatering. :-)

Good luck--- no reason you shouldn't be able to successfully transplant your tree.

Answer 4

In a very old gardening book I learned to do this...... about 6 weeks before moving any plant-- take a sharp spade and drive it straight down 6 to 12 inches from the main stem. A sharp shooter does this very well. Prepare the receiving site then lift the tree. Make sure you put the running hose in the hole when you replace the dirt. Make a "dam" around the tree. Watch for signs of dehydration.
I also learned to put potash ( hardwood ashes) around the tree to aid in root growth. This is very important where the "bathtub effect" is present.
The tree will do fine-- remember that air pockets are deadly for roots-- hence the running water to help the soil fill in all areas--
The principle behind the spade work 6 weeks ahead-- the tree is forced to put out new "feeder" roots-- which help prevent shock.
good luck

Answer 5

The key to transplanting an apple tree is to first do it when it is dormant. Second, try to get as much of the root system as possible when you move it. Third, make sure to replant it at the same depth as originally growing. Then, finally , water it in well immediately after transplanting to reduce air pockets.
The attached link gives a few more details.

Answer 6

Sounds like an inquisitive, active 2 and a half year old to me! Personally, I dread going to houses where there are ornaments within reach of my son. At home, most parents will move these out of reach for safety so it is natural that a child will want to investigate such items when they do come across them. Running, bouncing, spinning, jumping are all fun ways to pass the time for a child this age and, while it may seem annoying to other people, it is just what they do at that age - when everything is new and exciting to them. As for discipline ... I wouldn't expect my son to act like an adult at 2 and a half! However, I would tell him not to jump on furniture and I would remove ornaments etc from him if he got hold of them. Spillages are bound to happen at that age, so I would use lidded cups at friends' homes or have my son sit somewhere where a spill wouldn't be a problem! Does your friend bring toys for the child to play with? I would always take toys with me, especially if going somewhere where there wouldn't be any. You could always try providing something for the child to play with that would be different and distracting, such as plastic tubs, wooden spoons, empty boxes. Just a thought!

Answer 7

dig up the tree in the early spring transplant it and mulch around it.where this is a tree started from seed it will probably take up a lot of space and will not blossom for about 6 to 10 yars

Answer 8

wait until the winter when all the leaves are off and it is dormant. (asleep for the winter and not growing) and dig a root ball plant it at the same depth in good soil.

Answer 9

you will never dig it out with out damaging it sorry