Transplanting fruit trees: we reveal all the subtleties of a painstaking business
Often, mature trees, such as apple and pear, have to be replanted for one reason or another. This process is quite unpleasant for both the gardener and the plant itself, but one way or another in some cases it is necessary to resort to this. How to do this by transplanting fruit trees so as not to cause irreparable harm to the tree? Let's consider.
First of all, you need to figure out which trees, in principle, are suitable for replanting. Transplanting fruit trees implies adult specimens, but not exceeding the age of 10 years, it is also necessary that the trees are completely healthy and give a stable annual growth. Trees growing in one place for more than 10 years are not recommended for replanting. Young trees are most resistant to this process, so if you decide on such a procedure, then it is better not to postpone or delay with this.
It is logical to deduce the idea that the plant should not remain removed from the soil for too long. Ideally, it should be as small as possible in the interval between excavation and subsequent planting in another place - we have understood this.
If all the rules of agricultural technology and precautions are correctly followed by the summer resident, the transplanting process can be carried out in the spring and autumn, and in some cases this can be done even in winter without prejudice to the life of the plant. However, each term has its own disadvantages and advantages in comparison with each other.
The fall season is quite suitable for the tree replanting process. This is approximately from the beginning of leaf fall and until the first frost. Remember that during the winter, those plants that have not yet rooted can be seriously affected by low temperatures and dehumidification.
For the winter period, the least favorable in relation to this process, a temperature of at least 10 degrees is allowed, otherwise you can cause serious damage to the plant. As a rule, such transplants, in order to avoid a greater risk, are carried out at the very end of winter, when the main wave of cold and frost has loosened its grip. After the planting process, the trees must be covered with the remaining snow that has not yet melted.
Finally, the most favorable and suitable for transplanting fruit trees is spring, including in the early stages. After the planting process, when summer comes, the plant is able to adapt to a new place with comfort, take root properly, restore its condition, mainly of the root system and crown.
In order for the plants to take root faster and more efficiently after transplanting, they should be pruned in the spring season, while shortening the branches by an average of 1/3 of their entire length. As for the processing of the trunk and branches, for this they use moss or wet burlap, which is wrapped around their bases. The trees should be watered in accordance with the norms, while additionally adding potassium salt in the ratio of 1 tablet per 10 liters of water.
Those trees that were abruptly taken out of a calm state, unfortunately, hardly tolerate the transplanting process and then rehabilitate for a long time, so they need to be helped in this process with regular and abundant watering, spraying the crowns, as well as appropriate protection from sunlight during the period of maximum concentration - so you will save the regenerating tree from dangerous burns.
As for the transplantation process itself, here you can resort to the method both with bare roots and with an earthen clod, which in turn is safer for the plant and most often ends with a successful outcome. The earthen lump should be of sufficient size to avoid exposing the roots, the height is about 50 centimeters, and the diameter can vary on average from 0.8 to 1.5 meters. The branches should be carefully pulled together with a rope, in no case tightening too tightly, otherwise they may simply break. Around the perimeter of the tree being prepared for transplantation, a ditch should be dug about 60 meters deep and 30-40 meters wide. Intersecting roots should be cut with a blade, then cleaned. If it is planned to transport the tree over a long distance, then for the preservation of the structure of the earthen lump, so that it does not crumble ahead of time, you can use the boards as an option for strengthening on the sides. The next step is to dig in the ground under the tree and then topple it to one side - at this moment, be very careful, as the tree will be most vulnerable to mechanical damage. Only now can you start planking the coma so that it retains its shape. If transportation is planned to a nearby place and does not provide for overcoming long distances, then you can do without boards, simply wrapping a lump in burlap. During transportation in winter, the roots should be covered with a layer of snow.
For planting in a new place, the pits, as a rule, are equipped with a round or square shape - in comparison with an earthen lump, they should exceed its size by an average of 30 centimeters. A layer of fertile soil is laid at the very bottom of the pit, then the tree itself should be installed. Make sure that it rises above the soil by at least 8 centimeters, take into account the subsequent subsidence, so it is recommended to take a stock. The final stage can be considered falling asleep and subsequent compaction of the soil, thereby filling the space between the lump and the walls of the pit, do not allow unnecessary voids. For greater reliability, the tree can be reinforced with some kind of props or stretch marks to ensure its safety from damage.
Now you have a rough idea of such a painstaking and demanding procedure as tree transplantation. The whole process, each of its points should be treated with attention and even trepidation - after all, fruit trees themselves are quite refined, although many of them can adapt, survive in a variety of climatic conditions. Do not arrange stressful situations for your plants, follow all the recommended guidelines and you will never have problems in the process of replanting and transporting fruit trees to a new territory!