Apple tree transplant

When we transplant a plant, we interfere with its life, so this activity must be carried out very carefully and carefully. If you violate the rules of agricultural technology, then the transplant will not only harm the plant, but also destroy it. However, if you plant trees in the right places right away, then you won't need to replant the plants. But very often a transplant of an apple tree is simply necessary, because life is unpredictable. And very often situations arise when the gardener has a choice: to replant the tree or let it die. The answer is obvious.

In today's article, we will tell you about how to correctly transplant an apple tree, at what age it is best to do it, and in what conditions the transplant should be carried out. We hope that the information provided will certainly help you master this difficult agrotechnical event.

In what cases is it necessary to transplant an apple tree to a new place

Sometimes situations arise when a transplant of an apple tree is simply necessary.

First of all, this is due to the thickening of the plantings. Novice gardeners sometimes incorrectly calculate the distance between trees and shrubs. And as a result, they get a number of fruit crops that grow and develop poorly due to the fact that they simply do not have enough space.

If you overestimate the capabilities of a particular fruit crop, and the trees are planted very close, then transplanting an apple tree is vital. Of course, if you immediately choose the right place, then nothing will interfere with the apple tree, and it will grow and develop beautifully. But if the tree is already oppressed, it still needs to be moved to a new place, otherwise it may still perish.

Sometimes gardeners misjudge the structure of the soil, and also do not take into account the level of groundwater in a particular area. This often leads to flooding, waterlogging of the area. Therefore, the root system of trees begins to be suppressed, and various bacterial infections spread more intensively throughout the site.

Sometimes the transplanting of an apple tree is not associated with the influence of unfavorable factors, but with the redevelopment of the garden or the relocation of the owner. Moreover, this reason is considered the most common. When the owners settle down in their suburban areas, very often there is a need for the construction of an unplanned building, for example, a gazebo or a garage. And any fruit tree can, quite, interfere with construction work, which means that it will have to be replanted.

Of course, you need to plan your orchard deliberately, so as not to engage in this dangerous event later. However, as we noted earlier, life is truly unpredictable. Therefore, do not be alarmed, the transplant can also be carried out correctly. And then not a single tree will suffer, and the apple trees will again bring a good harvest.

In order for the apple tree transplant to proceed correctly, you need to know about the age at which the trees tolerate transplanting well, as well as about the rules and timing of fruit transplantation. What we will share with you.

Apple tree transplant: what you need to know about the root system

Of course, any tree is held in the ground precisely because of the root system. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the structure of the root system of a particular plant. Trees receive moisture, nutrients and micronutrients from the soil. So, special attention should be paid to the preservation of the root system during the transplantation process.

If you injure the root, then the plant may die, so you should familiarize yourself with the theory of agricultural technology.

Let's take a look at what parts the root consists of. In the apple tree, as it grows, skeletal, fibrous and vertical roots are formed. And all this is called in one word - root system.

The delivery of nutrients to the central root and trunk of the tree is handled by fibrous roots. They are relatively small, thin, but it is due to them that the tree feeds. Such processes are well restored, therefore, when injured, they quickly regenerate. So in the process of transplanting, do not be afraid to tear off additional forming roots, this will not radically affect the life of the tree.

The most voluminous roots - pivotal... It is they who bring nutrients to the ground part, transfer them to the trunk, leaves and branches. Moreover, it is in such skeletal roots that all nutrient organic substances accumulate. It is interesting that usually in mature trees they are very long, they penetrate up to 20 meters in depth. The tree rests on them. Conductive roots not only suck in those nutrients that the lateral shoots provide them, but also deliver them to the tree trunk.

So, all the roots are connected to each other, and without these or those structures nutrition is impossible, the tree dies. Skeletal roots cannot be damaged at all. However, if you injure all-all lateral forming roots, then in this case the fruit tree may die. Therefore, when transplanting an apple tree, be very careful and careful. The root system is also a kind of organism that lives its own life.

About age for transplant

At what age can apple trees be transplanted? Both novice gardeners and professionals think about this. It is believed that it is best to transplant the apple tree no more than 3 times from the seed, that is, the first three years.

The fact is that at this time the central root is not yet fully formed, which means that the seedling will better adapt to a new habitat together. Moreover, the root is slightly pruned during transplantation. Thus, the tree begins to bear fruit early. However, growing an apple tree from a seed is considered an old method, since many of the properties of the mother tree are so lost.

Therefore, summer residents buy seedlings in garden centers or nurseries. This means that the apple tree will be at least one year old. At this time, the apple tree transplant will be easiest. Sometimes seedlings are sold already at two or three years of age, so such plants are more difficult to take root in new areas.

Do not forget that it is in the first year of life that it is easier to transplant an apple tree. If you buy a 2 or 3 year old seedling, it is best to buy the plants together with an earthen lump or in a box or pot. So the root system is easier to adapt to new conditions, and the transplanting process will be painless, such seedlings are better restored and regenerated.

As you understand, a closed root system is the key to a successful tree transplant. Another little rule. As long as the size of the crown matches the size of the root system, the seedling or tree will tolerate transplanting well. They quickly recover and develop.

And at 4 or 5 years of age, the root system becomes more voluminous and massive. Therefore, in such trees usually skeletal roots exceed the size of the crown, taproots become very long. When transplanting this fruit tree, the root system must be handled very carefully, carefully.

When the apple tree becomes completely adult, over eight and ten years old, the crown exceeds the size of the root system by 2-3 times. Therefore, at this age, replanting plants is undesirable, you can damage the roots. And it is very difficult to dig out such an earthen lump.However, if you can attract special equipment, then transplanting an apple tree even at the age of fifteen can be quite successful.

But, again, this must be done very carefully and carefully. The root system completes its formation at about 20 years of age in ordinary medium and tall trees. After that, all the forces of the plant are spent on fruiting and maintaining the health of the roots. So, at the age of 20, it is not recommended to transplant an apple tree at all. As you understand, the older the tree, the more problematic this agrotechnical event will be.

Transplant the apple tree in the fall, spring or summer. How to choose the right time?

Apples are transplanted at different times of the year. However, in order for the plant to develop intensively, to adapt normally to the new conditions, certain rules of agricultural technology must be observed.

In the spring many gardeners are transplanting. Indeed, during the summer period, the trees have time to recover, gain strength before wintering, which has a beneficial effect on the further development of culture.

However, there are some peculiarities here as well. It is necessary to replant trees when sap flow barely begins. The bark at this time should be poorly separated from the shoots, and the buds should not wake up yet. The air temperature should be at least minus 5 degrees, frosts should finally recede, cold weather negatively affects the adaptation of plants.

It is very important to monitor the temperature of the soil. So, the optimum temperature for a transplant is about +10 degrees. At the time when you dig the planting hole, the ground should completely thaw and separate well from the bayonet of the shovel.

If you decide to transplant the apple tree in advance, then the transplant pit can be prepared in the fall. If you do everything right, the apple tree will take root well in its new place. Of course, the apple tree will lose part of the lateral processes during transplantation, but over the summer these very lateral roots are well and quickly restored.

It is recommended to put fertilizer mixed with the soil at the bottom of the pit. Do not forget that the size of the planting hole must certainly be larger than the root system of the seedling. If you dig a hole in the fall, then do not forget to close the hole for the winter.

For this, you can use any covering material or ordinary wooden boards. This must be done so that in early spring the soil thaws faster, and in winter it does not freeze deeply.

It is also necessary to bury the transplanted tree with pre-prepared soil, it is recommended to add organic matter and mineral fertilizers there.

Many gardeners recommend replanting apple trees. in the fall. At this time, the plants begin to prepare for wintering, which means that the shoots no longer grow, and the forces for the formation of fruits are not spent. All vital processes slow down. Transplanting a tree in late autumn is justified.

The root system also recovers well. Since it is at this time that the soil has an optimal temperature, it is not as cold as in early spring. During the winter period, the roots are well hardened, which means that in the spring the tree will be healthier and stronger. But remember, if the autumn turned out to be dry, the soil is not moist enough, then fruit trees should not be transplanted.

It is best to wait for the arrival of spring, since apple trees tolerate transplanting better in normal climatic conditions, because if the plant does not accumulate enough moisture, then the tree may die. The transplant should be started in the fall only when the apple tree has thrown off all the leaves and fruits.

However, this agrotechnical measure must be carried out only before the arrival of frost, about 2 weeks before December. Do not forget that the plant must be dormant, which means that no leaves or fruits should remain on the tree.

In late autumn, apple trees accumulate enough useful and nutrients for wintering, so transplanting during this period also occurs successfully. If the average daily temperature becomes about -10 degrees, then you are late, the tree will not take root in such a cold.

Therefore, it is best to complete all work before the arrival of persistent cold weather.

It is not recommended to replant trees summer, however, young trees under the age of three can still be transferred to other habitats. During this period, the seedlings are still normally adapting to the new conditions.

It is best to transplant apple trees in July, when the leaf mass stops actively growing, and all the forces of the plants go to the development of the root system. If you notice that the green branches near the tree have begun to grow stiff, then you can replant.

It is best to do this using a transplant, but if you have time, it is best to postpone the transplant until fall or spring. After all, the result of a summer plant transplant is often unpredictable.

Transplanting apple trees of different ages

At different ages, trees are transplanted in different ways.

Transplanting a one-year-old apple tree

Apple trees one-year-olds usually they are not transplanted at all, since very young plants are usually not sold. But if you nevertheless decide to grow a tree from a bone, then the one-year-old sapling will still have to be transferred to another place if necessary.

Usually, the root system, when transplanted at this age, is often injured while digging the plant out of the ground, since during this period the young trees are not yet very stable. However, such injuries are sometimes even useful. Therefore, already in a new place, the root system is formed more actively.

For example, thin lateral roots definitely develop faster. It is this superficial nutritional system that ensures the reliable absorption of nutrients from dressings. If the seedling grows in a container or any other box, then the transplant will be completely painless.

Usually, the soil around the plant is abundantly moistened in order to transplant the apple tree along with the earthen clod. But in order to stimulate the formation of the root system, you need to dive the main root, approximately 20 cm away from the root collar.

It is at this age that apple trees can be transplanted most effectively, the trees recover perfectly after that. However, do not break the root, as this can ruin the seedling. Additional roots should be left on the rhizome, since due to these formations, all nutrients are supplied from the soil to the main root.

Therefore, do not leave the dug out seedling in an open area under the scorching sun. Sometimes gardeners even forget the plants in the water for a month. It also has a detrimental effect on the development of apple trees.

How and when to transplant annual apple trees

It is best to transplant one-year-olds in the fall, so the plants take root better. The trees should be dug at the end of September. The main root should be shortened by about one third. Due to this procedure, in the future, a system of suction roots is formed in the plant.

However, all this must be done very carefully and carefully, all leaves from the one-year-old must be removed. The rootstocks are recommended to be removed to the basement before the arrival of spring. The roots should not dry out, however, excessive moisture negatively affects the development of plants. Therefore, cover the roots with either sawdust, or wrap the rhizome in a film.

It is also recommended to plant rootstocks in a permanent habitat in the spring, when the soil warms up well. Once you notice that the seedling has taken root well, you can vaccinate. Under the most favorable circumstances, this is done in the fall, but it is best to do it next spring.

Before replanting plants, you need to prepare the planting hole in advance, and only then you need to remove the plants from the ground.It is best to do this early in the morning or late in the evening so that the scorching sun does not burn the delicate bark of the plant. Do not forget to water the planting hole, the seedling will really need moisture at this time.

Transplanting a tree at two and three years of age

If speak about 2 and 3 year old seedlings, then it should be noted right away that it is at this age that it is easiest to transplant apple trees. It is during this period that apple trees tolerate this difficult process more easily. By the age of 2, the roots become more branched and viable. Usually at this time, up to 40 main branches are formed on each young tree.

However, replanting trees with open roots can damage the suction roots. Therefore, it is best to replant trees either with an earthen ball or in a box or container. At this time, you can replant purchased seedlings, apple trees, which were acquired early and dug in until spring. And also trees that need to be transplanted in the same area, but in different places.

As you understand, you can transplant a plant during this period using different methods. Of course, the easiest way is to transplant the plant along with an earthen clod; sometimes seedlings planted in containers are used for this purpose. If you buy plants in the spring, then you will need to transplant them immediately.

Carefully remove the container from the container; for this, the plant should be gently lifted by the trunk, and the soil should be pre-softened with water. It is best to apply a little pressure on the sides of the container so that the suction roots are not damaged during transportation. If you transplant the seedling along with the earthy clod, then the adaptation process will occur better.

Sometimes gardeners simply move apple trees that are already growing on the site. To do this, you will need to dig up the plant along with the ground. Therefore, the pit must correspond to the size of the tree root system. If you destroy the earthen lump a little, then this is not very scary. Usually 2- and 3-year-old apple trees recover well, even if two-thirds of the extra roots are damaged.

However, it is still better not to experiment, treat the plant and its root system with care. But trees with an open root system are the most difficult to replant, and the result can be completely unexpected. Sometimes the plants take root well, and sometimes they don't. Therefore, transplantation using this method is a risky business.

How to transplant two- and three-year-old apple trees

The planting hole should also be prepared in advance. This is usually done about one month before the expected time of planting. Let's make a reservation right away, on all sides the pit should be about 40 cm larger than the size of the earthen coma, including in depth.

In order to fill up the free space, you will need to prepare a mixture of fertile soil and fertilizers in advance. Usually, humus, wood ash and complex fertilizers are placed in the planting hole. Sometimes superphosphate is added there. But do not overdo it, you cannot overdo it with top dressing either.

The prepared fertile soil should be evenly poured into free spaces, gradually compacting the soil. After transplanting, the tree will need to be watered abundantly. In order for the tree to anchor well in a new place, you will need to install a wooden stake in the center of the hole, and then tie up the plants.

Do not forget that you should dig out seedlings on the site together with an earthen lump. If you do not understand where to dig, then you can mentally project the size of the crown onto the soil. In trees, so - what are the leaves, so are the roots. However, this is not all, there is no need to dig where the root ends, step back from this place 40 cm from all sides, so you will not damage the root system. Remember that the earthen lump should be at least 60 cm deep, so be patient, you will need to dig a lot.

It is best to transfer the seedling to a new planting site with two or three people. Such an earthen lump weighs a lot, so you cannot do without the help of a friend. It is best to place the seedling on some kind of dense material, and only then transport it to where you need it. The apple tree must be placed vertically directly at the planting site. If the roots of the plant are open, then they should be straightened.

It is necessary to fill up the planting hole with fertile soil, and the root collar should not be buried. Therefore, be careful and careful. Be sure to water the transplanted plant and compact the soil around the trunk a little. In order for moisture to be better preserved, the trunk circle is recommended to be mulched. If the crown is too massive and voluminous, then it will need to be shortened, cut a little.

Don't worry, the plant will recover quickly. You will need to water the apple tree every week. At this time, plants need a lot of strength to adapt to a new place.

Transplanting an apple tree at four and five years of age

And now we will talk about older brothers, namely about four and five year old trees... At this age, replanting is more difficult. It is best to do this up to this point, but sometimes mature trees tolerate this process normally.

In the spring, it is best to replant mature apple trees. The fact is that if you transplant trees during this period, then in the summer the culture will begin to intensively increase the green mass, as well as restore it to the root system. But sometimes, even at the age of five, it is quite possible to transplant a tree.

Of course, do not forget that the earthen lump in plants is very heavy, so you just can't cope with it alone. Do not take on this business if no one will help you. To transplant an apple tree, you need at least two to three people. In fact, the process of transplanting mature trees is not very different from transplanting seedlings, however, it also has some differences.

About a couple of days before the planned transplant date, the tree will need to be watered very abundantly. You will need a lot of water. Then you will need to decide on the location of the new planting pit. Do not forget that the earthen lump will be very large, so you will have to dig a lot. The shovel should be kept tilted so as not to damage the root system.

And the roots of mature trees are very well developed. So, in order to remove the earthen lump, it is recommended to put a lever. For example, a crowbar or a powerful board. Those roots that protrude beyond the earthen lump are recommended to be cut. Then the tree will need to be removed from the hole, carefully transferred to some dense material, for example, burlap or tarp. After that, two or three of us, the tree must be delivered to a new habitat.

Please note that in order to hold such a large tree, you will need to use more than one stake. Usually, up to 4 pegs are fixed along the perimeter of the pit. However, when tying the tree to the stakes, you need to be very careful not to damage the trunk and roots of the plant. The material for transporting wood must also be strong. Very often, apple trees around the perimeter are also fixed with garden hoses.

It is best to replant mature trees, of course, in the fall, in the spring you can only prepare the culture for this procedure. The apple tree transplant trench is usually very deep. All roots protruding beyond the earthen coma should be cut off, and the cuts should be treated with crushed coal or garden pitch. A lot of water will need to be poured into the pit, and after transplanting, tamp the trench.

Vertical roots will also have to be cut a little, of course, the survival rate of the plant depends, first of all, on compliance with the rules of agricultural technology. However, mature trees do not adapt well to new conditions, so try to replant only young trees.

Transplanting an adult apple tree

If we talk about very mature trees, 10 and 15 year old apple trees, then it is better to replant them in early spring. The fact is that with an autumn transplant, trees often do not have time to adapt before the arrival of cold weather, to gain a foothold in a new habitat. Therefore, they need more time for this.

And wounds heal in such trees more slowly, and new roots are not formed so intensively. So the regeneration process takes a long time. Moreover, the survival rate of old apple trees is much lower than that of young ones. If the tree is sick, the bark is damaged, with any defects, then this tree should not be replanted at all.

Such plants usually do not take root at all. Due to the fact that the crown of an adult apple tree is very wide and spreading, it will be necessary to cut off the branches before transplanting. And then wrap with burlap or other soft material so that the bark is not damaged and cracks do not form on the branches.

Digging up mature trees is even more difficult than four and five-year-olds. Therefore, here you will need to work hard. It is believed that a 10-year-old apple tree has an earthen lump in diameter that can reach 1 meter. And the older the tree, the deeper you will have to dig the trench. This lump is also very voluminous in thickness, more than a meter.

It is very difficult to remove a tree from the hole, so it is advisable to use special equipment. Moreover, you will not bring this tree by hand, and in an ordinary car it will take up a lot of space. Therefore, it is better to turn to professionals. Usually, in small gardens, mature trees are not transplanted at all, this is practiced in large areas.

In order for the earthen lump to be preserved during transportation, and the tree is not damaged, very often it is placed in a special wooden box, and only after that is transported over long distances. You will also need to cut off all the extra roots that will knock out of the earthen coma, and treat the wounds with crushed coal or garden pitch.

After you remove the tree from the hole, you will need to remove any remaining roots from there, as they can germinate over time. It will be necessary to prune the crown of a mature tree after transplanting.

In late autumn, the trunk of the apple tree should be well insulated with spruce branches or other breathable covering material. The fact is that transplanted mature trees do not tolerate frosts very well. Therefore, additional protection is essential.

It is very difficult to transplant trees that are over 8 years old on your own, so you will definitely have to contact specialists who have special equipment. But apple trees are 20 years older than transplanting and it is completely impossible, since their survival rate is practically zero.

Conclusion

Do not forget that a tree is as much a living organism as a human, therefore, it is impossible to roughly interfere with the development of a plant. You can harm the culture, and completely destroy the apple tree. Therefore, it is still better not to replant trees, but immediately determine the correct planting site.

However, if you still had to transplant fruit crops, then adhere to the rules of agricultural technology. Then your apple orchard will surely give you a lot of ripe and aromatic apples.