Sometimes the arrangement changes in the garden requirereplanting a tree or coniferous shrubIt is not easy, especially in the case of larger plants, but with our guide you will definitely be able to do it! Seewhen it is best to replant conifersto make sure they catch on before winter comes, andhow to replant conifersto minimize the stress of transplanting and give a tree a chance for a good start in a new place.
How and when to replant conifers?
When to replant conifers?
Conifers are best transplanted from mid-August to the end of SeptemberConifers that are transplanted at this time have a lot of time to regenerate the root system before the onset of cold weather and the freezing of the ground. Later transplanted plants may not take root in time and are likely not to survive the winter.
If we haven't had time to replant the conifers at the end of summer, we can do it in early spring(even before the start of vegetation, depending on weather conditions - March to mid-April). Conifers that are transplanted in spring take longer to grow and are more susceptible to drought. The spring term, on the other hand, is sometimes more appropriate for species that are sensitive to low temperatures or for plants planted in humid places and in cooler regions of the country.
How to properly transplant conifers?
Before digging up theconifer that we want to replant, a new place should be prepared for it.We remove weeds from the new place and clean them of stones. Dig a hole a dozen or so cm in diameter larger than the tree's crown. At the bottom of the hole, build a mound of soil for conifers, on which we will plant the plant.
The day before transplanting the conifer, water generouslyso that the root ball does not flake off after digging out. If the soil from the root ball falls off and exposes the roots, it can make it difficult for the plant to settle. Roots should have the shortest possible contact with light. Therefore, when the root ball begins to crumble, wrap it tightly with a mat during transport.
Before digging out the plant, its crown can be wrapped in stretch foil, which will protect the twigs from breaking and facilitate access to the root ball.Dig out the conifers from the ground with the largest possible root ballDig the plant around, then take it out of the ground and immediately place it in a previously prepared hole. Fill the free space in the hole halfway with soil.Thoroughly knead the soil around the trunk, creating a basin.
Fill Pwith water , letting it soak into the ground. Then fill the soil to the ground level and knead it thoroughly. Thenbuild a mound of soil around the trunk to a height of about 10 cmto protect the root collar from freezing. Finally, we mulch the soil under the plant using composted pine bark. The mulch prevents the growth of weeds and retains moisture and preserves the soil structure.
Good to know!We should only replant small conifers on our own. In the case of transplanting larger specimens, it is worth using the help of specialized gardening companies. It should also be remembered that the older the tree or bush is, the more difficult it is to handle after transplanting.
Conifers care after replanting
After transplanting, the conifers should be watered regularlyuntil late autumn to allow the roots to grow rapidly. The soil near the trunk should be kept constantly moist, but there must be no water. Dry conifers become more susceptible to freezing in winter.
The damaged root system is not able to take up the nutrients we supply, thereforefreshly planted conifers no longer fertilize in a given year , but only in the spring of the following year, when the plants are well rooted. Conifers transplanted in early spring can not be fertilized until July.
MSc Eng. Agnieszka Lach
