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Transplanting trees
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By John
Fulton
[October 01, 2007]
Today I'll attempt to give you a brief outline
of transplanting trees. Dormancy, meaning deciduous trees have lost
their leaves, is the best time to transplant. Evergreens are never
really dormant, so early spring or fall (by the end of October to
allow for root growth) are the best times for them as well.
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 The first step is to make sure the tree you have selected is
adapted to the site where you are wanting to plant. Drainage,
soil type, sun and space are prime considerations. If you have a
sump pump that discharges in a particular area, you don't want a
tree there that doesn't like wet conditions. Also, make sure you
have adequate room for the mature size of the tree you are
planting. One of the most common landscaping mistakes is not
allowing enough space. This includes height, since power lines
and trees don't get along well together.There are several
different ways trees are sold. They can be bare-root, potted in
the field, container-grown, balled and burlapped, or dug with a
tree spade. Each has strengths and weaknesses, and a lot of the
reason a tree is sold a particular way is due to size. There are
some general steps that do apply to all types of trees.
First, you dig a hole. The hole should be at least a foot
wider than the size of the root system or container size. Of
course, the trees planted directly with a tree spade won't have
this step. Rough up the sides of the hole with a shovel, and
make sure the top of the hole is at least as wide as the bottom.
Don't dig the hole too deep, as filling the hole will then lead
to planting too deep, due to settling. Many balled and burlapped
trees are actually set with about a third of the ball above
ground level after planting. Soil amendments are OK in small
quantities, especially in heavy clay or sandy soils. Organic
material and good topsoil are the best amendments. Peat moss can
cause problems in clay soils, since it can attract water and
make a wet hole for your tree.
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Most trees done by homeowners are container-grown. To plant these
types of trees, you first remove the container at the planting site.
If the roots are growing all around the container soil, loosen the
roots by rubbing or make a few vertical cuts on the sides to cut the
mass of roots and make two cuts on the bottom that form an "x."
Plant at least 2 inches higher than the soil level to allow for
settling.
Other types of trees have some slight variations at planting
time, with bare-root being the most different. Bare-root plantings
need to have air pockets tamped to begin with, the roots
straightened and spread in the hole; then the tree needs to be
gently raised and lowered as soil is added to work out air pockets.
Care after planting is very important. Usually five to seven
gallons of water is needed each week. Do it once a week. Mulch with
a 3- to 6-inch layer of mulch such as wood chips, and go out from
the trunk for 3 to 6 feet. Keep the mulch away from direct contact
with the trunk, and don't use plastic under the mulch as it can
suffocate roots and hold in too much water. A little fertilizer is
OK. Too much, especially in the fall, is bad. Lawn fertility rates
are fine, and phosphorus and potassium can be added at any time.
Hopefully these tips will help you as you plant trees this fall.
I'll cover winter preparation in a few weeks.
[Text from file received from
John
Fulton, University of Illinois Extension,
Logan County Unit]
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