Lee Burkhill: Award Winning Designer & BBC 1's Garden Rescue Presenters Official Blog
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Hi. I just got a large japanese acer (over 6ft tall) and it was dug up in mid summer (July) from the ground and put in the pot. I know it was a wrong sesson for that but im just trying to save it. can someone give me some advise how to best save it? the leaves are curled up and its sitting in a large pot now. I wraped it up in a plastic and put it in the shade, gave it a good watering.
thank you for any advise!
Lukas
Hi. I just got a large japanese acer (over 6ft tall) and it was dug up in mid summer (July) from the ground and put in the pot. I know it was a wrong sesson for that but im just trying to save it. can someone give me some advise how to best save it? the leaves are curled up and its sitting in a large pot now. I wraped it up in a plastic and put it in the shade, gave it a good watering.
Thanks for your question. Digging up any tree when its in full growth is never advisable. It puts the tree under enormous pressure and can often kill a tree as it's starved of both water and nutrients.
By placing a plastic bag over the leaves you're also suffocating the tree and it needs air to transpire. By adding this bag it's going to struggle even further to survive. So remove this immediately. The other issue I see is the size of the pot is far too small for a tree of that size. It will need to be potted on or replaced in the ground asap. Please ensure this tree is well watered each day as it will probably need at least open watering can per day ie 10lt of water.
Here's some other tips on how and when to dig up and transplant a tree!
Timing: The best time to transplant a tree is during its dormant season, typically in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Transplanting during this time allows the tree to establish its root system before facing the stress of summer heat or winter cold.
Preparation: Before transplanting, prepare the new planting location. Ensure it has suitable soil conditions, proper sunlight exposure, and enough space for the tree's mature size. Dig the new hole before removing the tree to minimize the time the roots are exposed.
Pruning: Prune the tree's branches to reduce stress and imbalance between the root system and the canopy. Remove dead or damaged branches, and consider selectively pruning some branches to compensate for root loss during the transplanting process. Aim for a balanced and smaller canopy to help the tree recover more efficiently.
Digging the tree: Start by digging a circular trench around the tree, approximately 12-24 inches away from the trunk for every inch of trunk diameter. Dig to a depth that reaches the tree's root ball. Use a sharp spade or shovel to sever the larger roots carefully. Take caution to minimize root damage as much as possible. Try and lift a tree either early morning or in the evening when temperatures are cooler and the plants not under as much stress.
Lifting and moving: Carefully lift the tree out of the ground. Ensure the root ball is well-supported during the lifting process. Move the tree to the new planting location as quickly as possible to minimize root exposure to air and moisture loss.
Planting in the new location: Lower the tree into the prepared hole, making sure the tree is at the same depth as it was in its previous location. Backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the roots to eliminate air pockets. Water the tree thoroughly to settle the soil and provide the necessary moisture.
Aftercare: After transplanting, provide regular watering to ensure the tree's roots stay hydrated. Especially in warmer weather which is why we should only ever move deciduous trees in winter when their leaves have fallen off. Apply mulch around the base of the tree to conserve moisture and suppress weed growth. Monitor the tree closely during the first year and provide additional care as needed, such as pruning, staking for support, and protection from extreme weather conditions.
Thanks for your question. Digging up any tree when its in full growth is never advisable. It puts the tree under enormous pressure and can often kill a tree as it's starved of both water and nutrients.
By placing a plastic bag over the leaves you're also suffocating the tree and it needs air to transpire. By adding this bag it's going to struggle even further to survive. So remove this immediately. The other issue I see is the size of the pot is far too small for a tree of that size. It will need to be potted on or replaced in the ground asap. Please ensure this tree is well watered each day as it will probably need at least open watering can per day ie 10lt of water.
Here's some other tips on how and when to dig up and transplant a tree!
Timing: The best time to transplant a tree is during its dormant season, typically in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Transplanting during this time allows the tree to establish its root system before facing the stress of summer heat or winter cold.
Preparation: Before transplanting, prepare the new planting location. Ensure it has suitable soil conditions, proper sunlight exposure, and enough space for the tree's mature size. Dig the new hole before removing the tree to minimize the time the roots are exposed.
Pruning: Prune the tree's branches to reduce stress and imbalance between the root system and the canopy. Remove dead or damaged branches, and consider selectively pruning some branches to compensate for root loss during the transplanting process. Aim for a balanced and smaller canopy to help the tree recover more efficiently.
Digging the tree: Start by digging a circular trench around the tree, approximately 12-24 inches away from the trunk for every inch of trunk diameter. Dig to a depth that reaches the tree's root ball. Use a sharp spade or shovel to sever the larger roots carefully. Take caution to minimize root damage as much as possible. Try and lift a tree either early morning or in the evening when temperatures are cooler and the plants not under as much stress.
Lifting and moving: Carefully lift the tree out of the ground. Ensure the root ball is well-supported during the lifting process. Move the tree to the new planting location as quickly as possible to minimize root exposure to air and moisture loss.
Planting in the new location: Lower the tree into the prepared hole, making sure the tree is at the same depth as it was in its previous location. Backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the roots to eliminate air pockets. Water the tree thoroughly to settle the soil and provide the necessary moisture.
Aftercare: After transplanting, provide regular watering to ensure the tree's roots stay hydrated. Especially in warmer weather which is why we should only ever move deciduous trees in winter when their leaves have fallen off. Apply mulch around the base of the tree to conserve moisture and suppress weed growth. Monitor the tree closely during the first year and provide additional care as needed, such as pruning, staking for support, and protection from extreme weather conditions.
Lee Burkhill: Award Winning Designer & BBC 1's Garden Rescue Presenters Official Blog
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