Cherry trees arrive in tart, sweet and ornamental varieties and are grown for both their fruit and their blossoms. Situations may arise in which you want to transfer a cherry tree to a new place on your property. Transplanting any tree runs a risk of transplant shock, and transferring it at the wrong time increases this risk. If done properly, however, it is possible to transfer a cherry with little to no damage to the tree.
Should You Go Your Tree?
Before moving a cherry tree, then consider whether the tree has to be moved. Problems with its present place, such as poorly-draining soil or significant amounts of colour, can negatively impact the tree’s growth and the maturation of fruit, and transferring the cherry tree may correct this. If the tree is too near your home or alternative structures, you may also look at moving it to prevent possible damage as the tree grows. Moving the tree for landscaping or cosmetic purposes is also an option, though you also should consider whether the new place is worth the work and risk of transplant shock.
Timing the Go
The very best time to transfer a cherry tree is in the early spring after any danger of frost has passed. If possible, time the transfer so that it happens before buds or blooms start to appear on the tree because the tree will still maintain a dormant state and will not be as inclined to suffer from transplant shock. Don’t transfer the tree when it is very hot or extremely cold since this may lead to root system damage.
Selecting a New Location
When choosing a new place for your cherry tree, then take the time to find a place where the tree will thrive. For best results, the new place should receive whole sunlight and have good air flow. Cherry trees favor wealthy, well-draining soil. If possible, select a high point in your lawn to plant the tree because frost tends to collect in low points throughout the winter and heavy frost can potentially cause damage to the tree.
Moving the Tree
Moving a cherry tree requires you to maintain as much of the tree root system as possible to prevent transplant shock. For smaller cherry trees this isn’t generally a issue, but also for larger trees it can be a significant undertaking to transfer the tree to a new location. Measure the diameter of the trunk of the tree in inches, then dig a trench around the tree with the identical diameter in feet. You must dig down and under the main ball, then trimming any outlying origins that you encounter and using a disc or truck system to transfer the tree if needed. Make certain you dig the new hole deep enough that you can set some of the first soil in it to ease the water and transplant the tree sufficiently after the transplant is complete.