One of the most fundamental aspects of gardening is learning how to transplant a tree. This process is not difficult, but there are a few key tips to keep in mind to ensure that your tree thrives in its new location. Continue below to learn some fundamental tips to help you transplant a tree safely.

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How to Transplant a Tree

When you transplant a tree, you are essentially moving it from one location to another. This can be a daunting task, but with proper planning and execution, it can be done successfully. Here is what you need to know about tree transplanting:

Choose the Right Time of Year

When transplanting a tree, it’s important to choose the right time of year. The best time to transplant is in the fall or winter when the tree is dormant. This will give the tree time to adjust to its new location before the growing season begins.

Pick the Right Tree for the Job

Not all trees are well-suited for transplanting. Some species of trees have shallow root systems that make them more susceptible to transplant shock, while others have deep taproots that are difficult to dig up. Choose a tree that is right for the job and has a good chance of surviving the transplant process.

Dig a Large Hole

When you dig the hole for the new location of the tree, make sure it is at least twice as wide as the root ball of the tree and just deep enough so that the root ball is level with the ground. This will give the roots plenty of room to grow and establish themselves in their new home.

Prepare the Root Ball

Before you transplant the tree, it is important to prepare the root ball. This involves gently removing the tree from its current location and making sure that the roots are not damaged in the process. Once the tree is out of the ground, you can prune away any damaged or diseased roots.

Transplant the Tree

After you have prepared the root ball, it is time to transplant the tree. Carefully place the tree in the hole, making sure that the roots are covered with soil. Water the tree well, and then add mulch around the base to help protect the roots.

Monitor the Tree

Once the tree is transplanted, it is important to monitor it closely. Make sure that the tree is getting enough water and watch for signs of stress such as wilting leaves. With proper care, your tree should thrive in its new location.

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✨🌲 Today is Arbor Day! 🌳🍃✨

Hopefully you have plans to plant a brand new tree! If so, you can expect it to require a little more attention than the rest of your landscaping trees. That is because the root system is still being introduced into the soil and acclimating to its new surroundings. So long as you stay committed to a routine tree care schedule, you are likely to have great success with your newly transplanted tree.

So, in honor of Arbor Day and everything it represents, continue below to learn some helpful tips on how to care for a newly planted tree.

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Arbor Day Tree Care Tips

You cannot ever guarantee the success of any newly planted tree. Many things can go wrong that you don’t have any control over. However, there is plenty you can do to support a healthy growth cycle and prevent problems with your tree. Specifically, there are 6 things you need to do every week, sometimes every day, for your transplanted tree. These include watering, pruning, fertilizing, stabilizing, mulching, and eliminating risks.

Watering

For the first several months, you must check the soil every day, and water your transplanted tree every few days. Just be sure to not over-water; two or three times a week is a great starting off point. If it rains, check the top few inches of soil around the base of the tree for moisture first. If it is dry, it needs to be watered; if it is still moist, you can skip watering it for the day and recheck tomorrow. Furthermore, always allow the soil to dry completely before re-watering. This watering cycle will help your tree establish a strong root system.

Mulching

Laying mulch around the base of your trees is a highly effective method of supporting healthy growth and prolonging their life. Although you do not need to re-mulch every week, it is important to check on your mulch beds every day to ensure they are still doing their job. Mulch helps retain moisture and block out excess heat and UV exposure. This helps to keep a tree in good health. If the mulch seems low, put down another layer. Apply new mulch entirely, every year. The rule of thumb when it comes to proper mulching is to keep layers between 2 and 4 inches deep, and at least 6 inches from the base of the trunk.

Pruning

It is important to inspect the branches of your transplanted tree every day to assess its pruning needs. Pruning should take place right after you transplant your tree. Dead, diseased, damaged, and broken branches should be strategically removed before it can develop a good branch structure. Once the tree acclimated to the soil and its surroundings, it can begin to establish a strong root system, which helps lay the foundation to improve branch strength and structure. No more than 25% of a tree’s foliage should be removed in a year. Be sure to have a licensed tree service company perform your annual pruning needs to ensure that the proper ANSI tree pruning standards are applied.

Some Daily Tree Care Considerations to Keep in Mind:

☙ Fertilization

Inspect your tree every day to ensure it is growing as it should. If it is not, fertilizer may be an option. Fertilizer should only be applied AFTER the first year of tree transplanting. Do not think of fertilizer as tree food; instead, think of it as something that should only be used if necessary. Stressed trees should never be fertilized. There are specific application techniques that must be followed in order to have good results. Check with a trusted tree service company for advice regarding your newly planted tree needs.

☙ Stabilization

Check your tree every day to ensure it is upright and steadied. Some newly planted trees require some stabilization in order to withstand strong winds and other inclement weather conditions. Cabling and bracing work well to support weak trunks. If lawn mower damage is a possibility, you may want to also consider a trunk guard.

☙ Risk Abatement

Inspect your transplanted tree every day to ensure there are no imminent dangers lurking around the corner. It is important to minimize the level of danger that can be imposed onto your new tree. This includes taking into consideration lawn mowers, sprinkler systems, nuisance wildlife, pets, herbicides, pesticides, and more.

Do you require professional Spring and Summer tree care service for your newly-planted trees? Contact Complete Tree Care at 317-783-2518 for Indianapolis tree trimming and pruning services you can trust. We serve residential and commercial clients.

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Fundamental Tree Transplanting Tips