I've been doing some research and your article on "How to Transplant Trees" has given me a glimpse of hope with a maple tree I just attempted to transplant. I'm in the midst of green leaves turning brown and dry. There are hardly any green leaves left. I have almost giving up hope, yet I am determined to do what I can to save this tree. I'm actually from Northern Ontario Canada, and realize that transplanting in the midst of the summer in hot, dry weather so far, is not the best but I had no other option.
I read that I should water the tree, but not too much. Now I'm desperate for a direct answer which will actually guide me in doing what is best for my poor maple tree. Do you have further advice for me because searching the net becomes quite confusing after a while? I would water the tree with my sprinkler at night, leave it on for about one hour, on a mist so the water doesn't hit the tree too harshly. Do you have any other suggestions? I'm open to anything that will encourage my tree to pull through this shock that has hindered it's life.
I do have a question, and this worries me a lot. The tree has like three tiny trunks (almost looks like branches at the moment). They were all together when we dug it up and we left them together. Is this a sign that we didn't dig up the right thing? It has to be 3 baby trees that were entangled altogether (with roots of course). What do you think? Do I really have a Maple tree with potentially 3 in 1? I'm not sure anymore and as you can see I should have researched before hand.
I went to visit my daughter and noticed this beautiful green leaved tiny tree underneath other huge trees, which was stuck against a fence which gave us a harder time to get more roots, so we gave it a shot. Please help.
By MIchele C from Northern Ontario, Canada
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If you transplant a deciduous tree, such as a Maple, while the tree has leaves on it, the tree might lose it's leaves, but give it a little time and it could sprout new leaves.
I would check the roots as it could be dead. If its not give it lots of filtered sun. When you water it I would put the water with root stimulater mixed in a plastic bottle. Like one for dishwashing liquid. Also never give it cool water out of the sink. I try to kill these trees as they have taken over my small backyard. I can send you free seedlings anytime. I live in Louisiana and pay it forward all the time. Just let me know. happy.now@suddenlink.net My name is jazzy.
I live in Winnipeg. When we moved into our present home, I dug up 2 tiny maple seedlings and transplanted them to the south side of our yard. They are now each about 35 feet tall! Took 26 years, but they are beautiful! Water them in the morning, so the leaves have a chance to dry off before nightfall. If they are wet overnight, they may develop a fungus, or mold, and fall off. I left a small depression in the ground around each tree when I planted them, so the water would pool around them and soak the roots. I watered them about an hour every day all spring, summer, and fall, for 2 years, then 2 times a week every year after that, for 3 years. Once they are about 5 feet high, they only need watering once a week. I use a soaker hose. It was worth the effort and the water. They shade my whole front yard.
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I have a nice bunch of "volunteer" maples in my flower gardens. I would like to know when its best to transplant them? Do I separate each individual or are they better in 2s? Do I need fertilizer to transplant them? I hope to make a nice straight border with them. Thank you so much for your help.
Hardiness Zone: 3a
Natalie from Central SK, Canada
The best time I have been told and had success with, is after first leaf fall in the fall. Then the root energy really slows as the tree begins to go dormant for winter. After first leaf fall from frost, dig up your seedlings, be sure to get all the tap root, and take as much dirt with the seedling as possible. Move them to their new home. Be sure to plant them at least as deep as they were. Next spring, you should get to see them bud and leaf out again. Good luck! (08/27/2008)
By Marilee
When we plant trees we try to do it either in the spring (we have to water them quite a bit) or in the fall and let Mother Nature water them all winter long. Of course, you have to water at planting time and maybe beyond if there isn't enough rain. I would only plant one in each hole and pick the largest one. You can put something like plant starter in the hole, but I wouldn't fertilize a fall planting because they're needing to sleep, not put out new leaves that will be killed by the cold.
By Judi
I too have volunteer maples, although I don't want to transplant them. I don't think that you have to be too fussy with them. They grow like weeds. I also live in Sask, and I would get right on that transplanting now if you want to start them this fall. I think that with our severe winters, you want to give these little trees time to grow accustomed to their new spots.
Take a good look at how big these trees are going to be when you are planting them. People always plant trees too close together, at least I always do, even when I try not too! Be sure to get as much of the root as you can. Dig up really little ones, as the roots go a long way down. Once you have these established they are almost impossible to kill. (08/29/2008)
By Louise B.
Natalie, we plant our maples that spring up, in the fall. We were told by one of the stores we buy plants from that fall is the best time and gives them a chance to adjust before winter comes. I live in Pa. I know what our winters are like along the lake and I know how bad Canadian winters get, so this should work for you also. We also plant a couple together they seem to do better that way. Good luck and also a little prayer helps!
(08/29/2008)
By Darlene
