The process of transplanting a sapling is not as simple as buying a growing tree in a container and planting it. You have to consider a few additional things. However, the basic principle remains the same so you don't have to worry about the work being too heavy.
Step
Step 1. Select a sapling for transplanting
Young trees should be small enough that they can be dug up with their root system. Young trees should be over 5 cm tall and 7.6 cm thick at the base. In addition, you need to make sure that the variety is capable of handling transplants. For this, you need to experiment if you don't know beforehand. Some good varieties include oak, birch, magnolia, dogwood, eucalyptus and tea tree.
Step 2. Choose a suitable place for transplantation
The soil type of the new site should be suitable, with a similar drainage system and sufficient sun exposure for the fertility of the new plants.
Step 3. Dig a hole in the new location first
Estimate how large the plant's root system will be when it is dug out. The root system should be able to enter the soil as deep as the hole in its original location. If the soil in the new location is harder and denser, it's a good idea to dig a larger hole to loosen the soil around the plant. This will allow the roots to spread more easily as they begin to grow. Usually, transplanted plants should not be fertilized until they are sufficiently strong. Applying too much or too early fertilizer tends to stimulate the tree to grow larger than the roots can support.
Step 4. Dig up the transplanted tree
You will need to cut a circle around the root system of the sapling with a sharp, blunt-tipped spade. Make a 30.5 inch cut from the base of the tree as deep as you can to keep the roots intact. If the soil is firm and moist enough, you can usually cut down and around the main root group. This way, you can lift the tree completely without disturbing the roots. If the soil is very dry, you will need to water it thoroughly before starting to dig. If the soil is loose and sandy, prepare a sheet of plastic or cloth to support the sapling during transplanting.
Step 5. Lift the sapling by grasping the part near the ground and raising it straight up out of the hole
If the sapling has large taproots or large roots that extend out of the trunk and don't penetrate, you may need to dig until you reach them, or find another tree that is more suitable. When forced out of the soil, the entire root system can be damaged and the chances of success are very small. If you pull out the tree when most of its roots are still in the ground, you can take it in for a while before replanting it. If the sapling is to be loaded and transported to another location, hold it in the center of plastic or burlap so that it can support the roots and soil, and tie it around the trunk. Any shaking, vibration or other action to the root ball will reduce the tree's chances of survival as the soil around the roots becomes loose. Thus, air can reach the roots and make them dry.
Step 6. Place the sapling in the hole dug in the new location
Make sure the sapling is planted at the same depth as when it was lifted from the ground. Loosen the soil around the sapling to support it while watering it with water to remove any voids or air pockets. However, do not let you wash the soil from the roots.
Step 7. Fill the hole with soil around it
Use the excess soil that is available and build a small levee or earthen dam 7.6 cm high around it, about 61 cm from the stem. That way, the water doesn't run out when you water the plants.
Step 8. Water the tree again after the initial watering has completely absorbed
This will help the soil to compact and you can help fill the hole by adding soil.
Step 9. Peg the sapling
You will need to make support stakes in case the young tree is threatened by strong winds before the soil is sufficiently compacted and the roots grow strong. You can do this by placing bars, pipes, or wooden stakes around the tree about 91 cm from the trunk. After that, tie a strong wire or twine and wrap it around the low branches towards the pegs you previously stuck in. It's a good idea to line the wire-wrapped part of the trunk with a garden hose cut in half to prevent the wire from sticking to the tree branches.
Tips
- Mark the direction the sapling is facing before pulling it out of the ground, and try to adjust the direction of planting. This step is called "sun orientation". You need to pay attention because this technique will make it easier for the sapling to adapt and adjust to the new location. You can mark or tie a ribbon on the part of the tree that is pointing north before it is removed from the ground. When planted, reorient this side to face north.
- Remove all guy wire before cutting the tree as it grows.
- Transplants do better if the plant species is dormant. That is, the best time to transplant is during late fall or winter. However, if you manage to get the roots out with the soil covering them, the plant shouldn't die even in summer.
- Continue to water the sapling at least once a week during its first growing season.
- If the tree leaves fall off after removing the sapling, wait and see if the tree sprouts new shoots and grows new leaves. Often times, stress causes the tree's leaves to fall even when they are still alive. As long as the trunk looks supple and supple, the tree should still be alive.
- Transplanting a sapling can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience, but the job requires your attention and willingness to follow up on the tree's growth once the transplant is complete.
- Fill the hole in your tree so it doesn't hurt other people.
- If you are looking for a new tree for your yard, respect the landlord's rights. Do not enter private property or national parks to acquire new trees without permission.
Warning
- Watch for pests if you enter the forest looking for plants to transplant. Watch out for snakes and wild animals, as well as disease-carrying fleas, insects such as wasps, bees, and hornets. Also keep an eye out for poison oak, sumac, etc.
- Entering private property or national/provincial parks and uprooting trees is illegal. Follow the rules in your area to protect the forest and everyone's future.
