Rules for replanting an apple tree in spring to a new location

The purpose of the event

For example, an apple tree may need to be replanted to make room for construction or other purposes. Another reason is to grow seedlings for future sale. In this case, a specific area is allocated for the selection of seedlings, and once they reach a certain age, they are dug up and sold.

A common problem is when an apple tree grows too large to fit in its current space. It's important to remember that even if there's nothing outwardly bothering it, there's still a soil issue, specifically groundwater infiltration or spring flooding that wasn't accounted for. As a result, the plant will need to be replanted.

Choosing a time and a new place

Experienced gardeners unequivocally insist that apple trees are transplanted in spring or autumn. Spring is a better time to repot if the soil isn't particularly rich in nutrients and minerals. If autumn is dry and cold, then that's exactly the time to avoid repotting. Postpone this procedure until spring. When choosing a time, keep in mind that in autumn, the procedure can be performed after the leaves have fallen. However, it's essential to do it 2-3 weeks before the first frost.

How do you transplant an apple tree in the fall if the leaves are still there? In this case, you can transplant it in the evening. This is because photosynthesis ceases, reducing the risk of damaging the plant.

Apple trees should be replanted in the spring before the flowering period begins – it's best to complete the transplant before the buds open. Mature trees can be replanted even in winter. Maintaining a temperature of at least 5°C (41°F) is essential. In any case, it's crucial to maintain the orientation of the branches toward the light.

Preparing the seedling

Gardeners consistently agree that two-year-old plants are considered the most successful for planting. The holes (pits) are prepared in advance:

• autumn transplant – a month before the procedure;
• For spring transplantation they are prepared in the fall.

If a shoot is damaged or diseased, use pruning shears to cut off these root fragments down to healthy tissue. Excessively long sections are trimmed in the same way. Knowing how to dig properly will be half the battle. It's worth remembering that the crown is roughly the same size as the root system. Therefore, dig around the perimeter of the foliage.

To make this process easier, water the soil until it softens. After digging up the soil with a shovel, use a pitchfork to lift the roots. Many gardeners recommend placing the roots in water and letting them soak for a couple of days; this will revive them.

Transportation rules

The transportation process will depend on the distance the plant will be transported. If it's a relatively short distance, you can use a simple burlap bag to place the plant on after digging. For longer distances, the roots should be securely tied to protect them from damage. You can place the root ball in a bag and tie it tightly. A tarp works well for this purpose. To keep all the roots from breaking, you can also fill the bag with sawdust or some other protective material.

The intricacies of tree transplantation

Transplanting an apple tree is a responsible process that requires adherence to certain rules:

1. An adult tree older than 15 years cannot be transplanted.
2. If the trunk is broken, replanting will also not be successful.
3. Autumn harvesting involves removing fruits and leaves. If they are still present, they are removed by hand.
4. When planting in the fall, do not forget to insulate the root soil before the onset of cold weather.
5. Under no circumstances should you violate the recommended timeframes for this procedure.
6. Prune branches for the first 12 months. Growth control is necessary.

Annuals

Since seedlings that young aren't sold, they're rarely replanted at one year of age. However, at this age, the plant is least susceptible to injury, as it regenerates easily and is easy to root in a new location.

The tree should be dug up in late September or early October. Then, trim the main root by a third. This will encourage the plant to produce new shoots, which will actively absorb nutrients from the soil. When is the best time to transplant a one-year-old apple tree? Gardeners recommend replanting in early spring. Protect the plant from drying out or becoming overly wet.

Two to three years

This age is considered optimal for replanting. With a good root system, two- and three-year-old specimens have excellent survival rates.

There are several transplanting options, depending on how you obtained the seedling. If you purchased them in containers, plant them in the spring, immediately after purchase. The containers are carefully removed, and the seedling is planted vertically in the previously prepared holes, with a stake placed nearby to hold it in place by tying it in place.

If you're transplanting plants from your garden, they need to be carefully dug up, following all the rules. It's crucial to preserve the root ball and avoid damaging the light, absorbent roots. These are key factors for the plant's future survival. If you're carrying the plants a short distance, use two shovels when working in pairs. If you're transporting them alone, simply place the root ball on a soft material, such as burlap.

Plant vertically, covering with prepared soil. Remember, the point where the root system ends and the trunk begins should not be covered. If the roots are smaller than the crown, prune them. Water the young beauty weekly.

Four to five years old

How to transplant a mature apple tree? Replanting a mature tree follows the same rules as replanting a younger one, but there are a few special considerations. The following tips will help you replant your apple tree correctly:

1. If you're choosing when it's best to replant, then spring is definitely not the best time.
2. Due to the size and weight of the plant, one person cannot transplant it.
3. A strong board or similar object must be placed under the root ball to serve as a lever when removing the plant from the soil.
4. After extraction, the roots that stick out from under the root ball are cut off.
5. To fix it, you will need 4 pegs, between which you will place the five-year-old representative.

Ten and fifteen years old

Is it possible to transplant a mature apple tree? Apple trees of this age should be transplanted in the same way as younger ones.

The following factors should be taken into account:

1. The root systems of these plants are quite large. It's important to carefully assess the potential for relocating such a large beauty.
2. Replanting is carried out only in the spring, since these specimens do not have time to take root in the fall before the onset of cold weather.
3. After replanting, be sure to prune.
4. There is no point in replanting an object older than 15 years; such old trees simply die.

Be attentive and caring, and your pets will certainly thank you!

Video: "Apple Tree Transplantation in Spring"

This video will show you how to properly transplant an apple tree in the spring.