Relocating Apple Trees

[Clink]

Not sure if this topic has been touched upon. I don't have much experience with fruit trees so for all I know it could be very hard to succesfully move an apple tree to a new location.

Up at our camp in Maine there is an old orchard that hasn't been taken care of in over a decade. The trees still produce very well and this is evident by the amount of smaller trees that have began popping up farther and farther away from the orchard every year. We will be having to cut down an old dead pine in fear of it falling on the camp one day. However, in the process, we would most likely destroy the 6 or so apple trees growing not far from it's trunk. These trees are no higher than 6 feet tall. Is it possible to move them and if so with what success can this be done?

 

[roth2000]

At that size I think you shouldn't have too many problems but do expect the trees to take a year or two to establish themselves in their new location. Spring would definelty be the time of year to relocate them if you are going to do it. If they are going to be lost when you remove the pine then there's no harm in trying, just make sure to dig deep and wide and get as much root as possible.

 

[Turkey Creek]

You can prune back the tops as well a bit when you dig them, they will recover faster if they dont have to maintain the top growth while the roots reestablish.

 

[Native Hunter]

Moved several and didn't lose a single one.

 

[buckvelvet]

I remember that old thread, was that here when we first started or at the QDMA boards?

 

[Clink]

Ok, thanks folks. I figured it was possible but with my little experience I was'nt sure. We have so many naturally grown apple trees that have sprung up in 20 acres surrounding this old orchard its actually quite impressive. I have a feeling I'll be relocating many trees in an effort to create a more centralized orchard for wildlife.

 

[Natty Bumppo]

I've done this many, many times with success and I agree with what was already said with one variation. A 6' tree is easily done by hand. Spring is a good time to move trees, but fall transplanting IMHO gives a slight advantage. In August I go in with a sharp spade of some kind and I basically cut the root ball out and sever all of the roots but don't actually move the tree. This encourages tons of new root growth within that severed root ball. Later in November when the apple trees are dormant I then dig my holes and move the apples. Be sure to stake them for the first few years. And in the fall it may not seem necessary, but watering is essential. Heavy watering packs the soil tightly around the roots and removes root killing air pockets. Then prune. Then enjoy.

 

[Native Hunter]

I remember that old thread, was that here when we first started or at the QDMA boards?

It was an old thread on this forum, and I could have possibly also put it on the other forum too.

As a refresher, we had to move them because of a new road coming through, which is underway now - just heard a dynamite blast a few minutes ago that shook my teeth. Most of the trees were in my FIL's yard, but a couple of mine had to be moved too.

The worst thing that came out of this was what happened to my Black Limbertwig. After it was moved, I didn't protect the tree base at the groundline. Over the winter a rodent gnawed a substantial area around the base of the tree. It's still alive and even had some fruit last year, but I'm unsure of what the eventual fate of the tree is. It appears to be trying to heal over, but it has a long way to go.

We have a couple of other small BLs planted, but that tree was my favorite. It was a no spray jewel....

 

[chummer]

Fall is better if you can do it. If you can water you should be okay with a spring move.