Moving Apple Trees

Mrs_Optimist

one has been planted for 7 years, the other 4 so they are fairly young. We are moving and wanted to take them with us (they were birthdays presents to the kids on their first birthdays) and so have sentimental value. However we don't want to kill them by moving them. If anyone has any advice about digging them up, transporting them and replanting I would be very grateful.

Lord_Gardener

Best time is when trees are dormant. Carefully dig down round root ball and lift out with soil intact if possible - this will be heavy and will require at least 2 people. Other wise dig down and carefully remove soil (I always use a small trowel) keeping the root system intact - take your time. Keep roots damp and replant asap treating as a new plant.

navig8r

Your cutting it a bit fine for time now..what height and diameter are they??

Dave

nodwah

We moved some trees a year and a bit ago in October so they wern't really dormant yet, but they survived and even gave a few fruit last summer. Basically lifted as much root with soil attached as we could to minimise root disturbance. They were probably all about 8-9 years old coz that's how long we'd been at that house and they are all on dwarfing rootsock. If you're moving this time of year you may be best to remove any fruit this summer to let the trees build up strength, and you really will have to water copiously. Good luck!

Mrs_Optimist

Thanks for your input, have only just been able to log in and see the responses. I am glad that the move won't kill them, would have definately left them where they were otherwise. They haven't started budding yet so I am hoping that there won't be any lasting damage. DH thinks I'm mad but they are the kids trees and I hate the thought of leaving them - silly I know.

nodwah

The WHOLE family will be moving!