jhalfhill

This coming week I'm on spring break. There are a few saplings and smaller trees that I want to move. Although its supposed to be highs in the 50's and 60's, it'll probably drop down below freezing on alot of nights and we may even have some a few days with highs in the 40's before everything starts greening up again. Is it safe to move the trees now or should I wait until I see that the trees start budding?

buckstalker1187

Typically the best time for planting and transplanting is when it is cool. This being sometime between mid september and mid-late november. This time of the year offers very little shock to the plants root system and also allows a good last watering before the roots will freeze in winter. Transplanting small plants right now depends on the temperature near you. You said that it is fairly warm were you are right now, but might get very cold and drop below freezing. For a young plant (epecially depending on the species of plant) I would not recomend doing this right now. Alot of small plants that you see in nurseries in the early spring are eather braught in from warmer climates or have been put in what they call enevelopes. Envelopes look like collapsed green house with very very good insulation. It basically serves as the same purpose as a green house.

For you do transplant (younger smaller plants) at this time of the year might be risky. I would personally wait a bit longer untill you know there will not be sub freezing temps. at night time.

If you have any more questions I would recommend calling these numbers.
I have worked with these men personally and they are very knowledgable.
They are both professionalarborists and have majors in botany.

Dale Tuttle - Northern Nurseries- phone-315-699-3999
Terry Nyman- Northern Nurseries- fax- 315-699-4398

They should be openat this time of year. Hope this helps. Good Luck!!!

jhalfhill

they aren't nursery trees they're wild trees out in the cold with the rest of them, so there arent any leaves on them yet. i know it isnt a good idea to take a plant out of a geenhouse and out into this chilly weather but i am asking about the best time to moves these trees before they start growing for the summer

buckstalker1187

A plant can be in the ground for 6 years and it can die if you transplant it at the wrong time. Some plants are so sensative that they cant be transplanted at all without alot of tlc afterwards.

I personally would call up those two fellas whos numbers I gave ya. Tell them what you plan to do and what kind of plants they are. Make sure you tell them thatthese plants are young too.They will give you the best advise.

I have planted and transplanted many manyplants and trees over the past 9 years (probally between 6 and 7 thousand). Don't just think because its been therein the wild, that it will survive if you transplant it. It all depends.There are many avenues to be taken depending on the situation and plant variety that you are talking about.I remember transplanting(2) Alberta spruce that were already existing plants, and within about 3 weeks - a monththey both died. Certain plants like the Rosa Ragosa, Privits, and certain hybrids of Junipers are very hardy and can withstand many elements, transplanting and even salt from the road wont kill them.

I would call them up and tell them what you are exactly dealing with here, they will give you exact instructions and precautions to take.

buckstalker1187

Infact, just tell me what kind of trees that you are talking about and I will go down there and ask him myself.

It will be easier this way
I will relay what he says back to you.

jhalfhill

ok maybe i should just wait. it would be nice to get it done while i have time tho.

i planned on moving a few american white pines about 3' tall and some maple saplings about a foot high. they are outside in pots. might even plant a few store bought apple trees. to see exactly what the weather will be in my area over the weekend and into next week, go to weather.com and enter 15425 as the zip code, then click on 10-day forecast.

thanks i appreciate your help. if i shouldnt move them ill wait til april or so.

farm hunter

If the ground isn't froze - or won't freeze solid in the next couple weeks - Its ok to transplant in most cases. Don't wait till thaey start to bud - that would be too late. Transplant them when they are dormant - and the ground is workable.

I transplant alot when the snow is melting fast. Its a good ready "water source" for transplants - I pile it up around the young trees.


FH

buckmine

My brother works the grounds of a veterans hospital.

He has told me transplant right before the ground freezes and right after it thaws. I am sure where you live if the ground does not freeze you could do it anytime while they are dormant. Do it now if the ground allows.

buckstalker1187

Ok jay, I just talked to Dale and he said, as long as they are in pots and and the roots are most likely intact, you will be able to plant them in the ground (as long as the ground is not going to freeze again). He said to dig a whole at least twice the size of the root ball and put some canadian spagnum(peat moss)in the bottom of the whole. You can find very small bags of peat moss in certain hardware stores or home depot. Make sure to leave about an inch of the root ball above the ground. Then take the soil that you dug out from the hole, cover the rootball and tamp the plant down. He said you can even put some type of mulch or leaves over the soil to help keep the young roots warm and this will also help hold moisture too when it rains in the spring.

Good luck

Tree climber

I do my plants every year (I plant a few EVERY year) in late Dec. and early Jan. of course I'm in Fla. so we don't get the frozen ground.
if you wait till they bud, it is to late.they will throw the new buds (some of the time).

the old timeres say the old 12 days is the best time. Jan.