Safe to move pear and cherry tree in the summer?

m33r4

I have 2 fruit trees (about 2 years old) I would like to reposition in the garden. Would it be safe to move them at this time of year without harm?

Thanks.

demystified

m33r4 wrote: »

I have 2 fruit trees (about 2 years old) I would like to reposition in the garden. Would it be safe to move them at this time of year without harm?

Thanks.

Possibly about the worst time of year to move them. The only saving grace is it's so wet at the moment that they won't need watering. Try and get as big a rootball as possible. If the soil falls away from the roots you're going to struggle to keep them alive.

Is it urgent? If not I'll wait until leaf fall.

DaftyDuck

I wouldn't risk it. The wet we have had means that root systems aren't necessarily as well-developed as they might be in a more normal year, and the tree will be even more susceptible to damage. Even a few hot days will kill it. Ideally, wait until November, up until Feb, and you should be able to move it with impunity. I'd say there's an 80% chance of failure now, and a 90% chance of success in the winter.

lou2500

yes Daftyduck is right, do in the winter!!!

m33r4

I did move the tree with as much root ball as possible. It's done very well considering the time of year. I also fed it with Fish Bone Meal to help it establish so that may have helped.