Transplanting an apple tree to a new location in the fall. Is it possible and when to replant?

Very often, gardeners and summer residents need to replant fruit trees, one of which is the apple tree.

The reasons for changing the place of growth can be very different. This includes a lack of space for a tree that has grown, its poor location and preparation of the seedling for sale, as well as excessive depth of the root collar.

In any of these cases, knowledge about the features of transplanting fruit trees of different ages in different climatic conditions is necessary.

Features of transplanting an apple tree to a new place in the fall

In order for the transplant to be successful, the choice of the time of year suitable for this operation and many other details are important.

In case of serious violations of the basic rules of replanting, the tree may poorly take root in a new place, may not bear fruit for a long time, become sick and even die.

By the time of transplantation, the tree must enter a period of half-sleep, shed its leaves, and its wood must ripen. An unfinished tree is virtually doomed to death in the coming winter cold.

It is also important to have a hole prepared in advance for replanting and optimal depth when replanting the tree itself, taking into account the correct location of the root collar.

All these mistakes subsequently lead to poor survival and suppressed tree growth.

For crops of different ages

Transplanting an apple tree to a new place in the fall - photo

The age of the plant affects the timing and technology of the work carried out. Therefore, before moving a tree from one place to another, you need to find out how long it has been growing.

The youngest version of the apple tree is a seedling. It needs to be dug up and transplanted to a permanent place in October. The timing may shift depending on the climate zone in which the gardener lives.

If there are leaves on the branches and metabolic processes occur, the apple tree is not prepared for changes.

When moving such a plant, it is taken into account that it will have little chance of survival. The seedlings are ready to change places when dormancy sets in.

Apple trees up to two to three years old respond well to transplants in the spring. The process of adaptation and adaptation is easier. The main requirement is to choose the right time. You need to take into account the climate.

When purchasing seedlings, you need to pay attention to several aspects. The variety must be selected zoned with a strong root system.

If you choose a variety for the wrong climate zone, you may not get fruit at all. In middle age, it is not advisable to replant crops.

For an apple tree, the average age would be approximately 11-12 years. In this case, transplantation is used as a forced measure. This is due to the fact that as a result of movement, the roots are damaged and the tree begins to hurt.

You will have to wait a long time for the fruits, because initially the apple tree will adapt and take root. Plants at the age of eight to nine years are more easily established in a new place. The main requirement is compliance with the rules of agricultural technology.
You need to start in the fall, when the leaves fall. Winter transplantation is possible, provided that there are no low temperatures. 12 months before changing the location, it is necessary to thin out the crown so that the crop will take root more easily in the future.

It is not recommended to move an adult apple tree from one place to another. In some situations such a need arises. Experienced gardeners say that replanting can be used until the tree is 15-20 years old.

It is impossible to indicate an exact figure, because the characteristics of each plant are taken into account. As an example, late replanting is allowed for apple trees on dwarf rootstocks. Moving an adult tree requires more effort compared to a seedling.

In order for the plant to survive, several factors must be taken into account. You need to keep the main roots safe and let them dry.

The soil must be well equipped with substrate. The crown is trimmed correctly and constant care is provided. If the roots or trunk are damaged, moving is prohibited.

When to replant an apple tree in the fall (in what months)?

Having decided to replant an apple tree, the gardener must take into account a number of important factors . It is important to choose the time when you can replant the apple tree in the fall.

The tree needs to be replanted, not too early, but not too late. It is usually recommended to carry out such a transplant from the end of September to mid-October.

The leaves of the apple tree should have fallen by this time, and older trees should have shed their fruit . That is, a period of half-sleep must begin. The life processes of the tree slow down, but the roots still retain a certain activity.

The apple tree will be capable of restoring tender fibrous roots as long as the air temperature is above +4 degrees C.

Autumn replanting allows the tree to take advantage of the not yet cold soil and, to a certain extent, adapt to new conditions and even grow fibrous roots, which are extremely important in the process of absorbing nutrients and water from the soil.

But it is not advisable to delay replanting in the fall . It is necessary to complete this process 2-3 weeks before the onset of frost, but better - a month before them. Otherwise, it will be difficult for the tree to survive the cold period.

But if the transplant is completed at a favorable time, then the apple tree will have time to harden during the cold period.

Fibrous roots are restored to a temperature of +4 degrees Celsius.

IMPORTANT! A situation may arise when you have to replant a tree with leaves. Then it is recommended to trim the leaves on the tree, and choose a foggy day for replanting, and the time of day - evening. By evening, the processes of photosynthesis and intense evaporation of water are completed.

Technologies for transplanting young and old apple trees

It is better to choose a place where the apple tree will grow on some elevation, illuminated by the sun, not blown by the winds. Apple trees do not like stagnant water and drafts.

The soil, if possible, should be light and fertile, and if deep water is nearby, drainage is necessary. Broken brick, stones, and crushed stone are suitable for it.

Technologies for transplanting young and old apple trees differ from each other.

But this process must begin by preparing a hole for the tree.

It is advisable to dig it up 2-3 weeks earlier, lay the necessary soil mixture with fertilizers and water it well. During this time, the soil in the pit will settle and settle .

This is important for the further correct positioning of the root collar to avoid its excessive deepening.

Preparing the pit should begin a month before transplantation.

The roots of the apple tree should not touch the edges of the hole , and the hole should be one and a half times larger than the clod of earth.

When digging a hole, it is recommended to put the top layer of soil aside. It is the most fertile and will go deep into the pit, and the lower layer, the poorer one, will be poured on top.

IMPORTANT! For both a young and an adult tree, it is important to maintain the same orientation of the branches to the cardinal points. To do this, paint marks are made on the trunk of the apple tree before digging it up.

The process of transplanting young apple trees 3-4 years old does not present any great difficulties.

It is important to minimally disturb or damage the roots when digging up an apple tree :

First, several buckets of water are poured under the tree to sufficiently moisten the entire root system and they dig around it in a circle. The distance from the trunk will be approximately up to 70 cm and will be a cone, narrower in depth. The depth of the cone will be approximately equal to the same distance.
After which the tree is carefully removed without shaking off the soil from the roots .
It is very important to correctly position the root collar when planting. It should be level with the soil level. To do this, when planting a tree, it is raised by 3-5 centimeters, taking into account future settlement. Perhaps a mistake was made here during the previous landing.
An apple tree is lowered into a pre-prepared hole with fertilized soil - black soil, peat, compost and mineral additives. If necessary, the roots are straightened.
The roots are carefully covered with fertile soil so that there are no voids.
A stake is also driven into the hole , to which an apple tree is tied.
Then the tree is watered with water in the amount of several buckets: (3-5).

Often there is a need to replant fairly large trees. But there are observations from experienced gardeners who say that the optimal age of an apple tree being prepared for replanting is from 3 to 5 years.

Replanting older trees is more risky.

Interesting ! An option for preparing a mature tree for replanting is described, which consists of cutting off the roots along the intended circle by digging a trench. Next, the tree is allowed to grow small fibrous roots along this perimeter over several warm months. After which the tree is dug up from below and the entire lump is transferred to a new place . Obviously, if the transplant is planned in the fall, this procedure should be done in the spring.

So, replanting old apple trees will have certain differences .

If you are faced with the task of replanting an adult apple tree in the fall, you must:

Start preparing for replanting by selecting auxiliary materials: garden tools, strong ropes, water, stakes for stretching (at least 3), matting;
Lay a hole at the selected location, add a mixture of nutritious soil with peat, compost , and the necessary fertilizers;
Dig a hole one and a half times larger than a clod of earth;
Make paint marks on the tree trunk for further correct orientation of the apple tree to the cardinal points;
When digging up an apple tree, try, if possible, to preserve the main rhizomes, as well as a larger lump of earth;
The earth is not shaken off from the roots;
Wrap the trunk in cloth , matting, strengthen the lump with boards to avoid damage, and bend large branches to the tree;
Reduce the time before planting an apple tree;
When planting, take into account the previous orientation of the tree;
Place the apple tree in the hole so as not to bury the root collar;
The roots of the apple tree are covered with fertile soil and attached to stakes using guy wires;
The tree is watered abundantly.

Transplanting an adult tree together with a lump.

General information about transplantation

The technology for transferring any fruit crop from the age of three and above is the same. To prevent the plant from dying, it is recommended to follow a number of rules.

What to consider when replanting an apple tree:

Decide on a new location; the tree should be located in an area open to sunlight, on a hill; waterlogged lowlands are not suitable for replanting an apple tree; constant exposure of the root system to dampness will affect the growth and quality of fruiting.
The acidic composition of the soil is not suitable for the crop; it is recommended to neutralize the soil with dolomite powder. To enrich the soil, add a mixture consisting of mineral fertilizers and compost.
The planting hole for the apple tree is dug taking into account the size of the root; the edges should not come into contact with it. The volume of the new pit is one and a half times larger than the previous one. They deepen taking into account the laying of humus with a turf layer of soil.
If it is impossible to avoid close groundwater, drainage is made from gravel and small stones, the height is determined individually. Placed before the fertilizer layer.
When digging up an apple tree for replanting, you need to carefully, so as not to damage it, and transport it along with a lump of earth.
It is recommended to inspect the roots and remove damaged and dry fragments.
The apple tree is immediately transplanted to a new territory; if this is not possible, the roots are lowered into a container of water for no longer than a day.

Transplanting a columnar apple tree in the fall

Of particular interest is the question of how to transplant dwarf apple varieties and columnar apple trees to a new location in the fall.

The compactness of plantings, ease of harvesting due to the short growth of the tree, high productivity and spectacular appearance attract gardeners to these varieties of apple trees.

Important! These plants age faster than vigorous plants.

It is believed that columnar apple trees are essentially no different from ordinary apple trees, but there are still subtleties in care:

It is recommended to choose one-year-olds , as they tolerate transplantation more easily and suffer less illness compared to more mature seedlings;
It is very important to prevent the roots of apple trees from drying out during transportation and the soil in the hole not to dry out during planting, so watering after these operations should be plentiful;
It is advisable to plant columnar apple trees in places protected from the winds. It could even be buildings or fences;
When planting a single tree, a hole is needed for planting: 0.5 x 0.5 x 0.5 m ;
You need to add compost, humus and 2 tablespoons of superphosphate to the hole prepared for planting.

Watch a video on how to properly transplant a columnar apple tree in the fall:

Why do you need to replant an apple tree to another place?

Autumn transplantation of a young or mature apple tree requires a certain approach and compliance with many conditions. If the gardener does something wrong, the tree may not take root and die. The question of why plan such an event arises very often. Trees are replanted for the following reasons:

We need new fruit crops on our site.
In the old place, the apple tree feels bad and does not grow.
The site plan has changed.
The area is flooded, the groundwater is too high and there is a risk of freezing.
The distance between neighboring trees turned out to be too small; fruit trees shade each other.

For normal growth and development, the apple tree needs a lot of light, a certain composition and structure of the soil. This crop does not grow well in clayey areas, in areas where there is little light (in the shade of other trees, near buildings). If groundwater lies too close to the surface, the root system may freeze in winter, which will lead to the death of the tree.

If the gardener understands that the apple tree is not doing well in its place, he needs to make a decision about replanting. This can save the tree, give it a second chance. But it is necessary to weigh all the risks. The older the fruit crop, the more difficult it is to tolerate transplantation.

Transplanting dwarf apple trees in autumn

Dwarf apple trees have their own planting nuances. They are not afraid of nearby groundwater due to the structural features of the roots. The roots are located close underground. However, this depth must be at least one and a half meters. They prefer fertile soil. Therefore, for them, the obvious answer is “yes” to the question: “Is it possible to replant an apple tree in the fall?”

Dwarf apple trees prefer bright, elevated, windless places, but will also tolerate some shading.

How to plant dwarf apple trees correctly?

To protect against drying out during transportation, the roots should be wrapped in a damp cloth ;
Trees should be planted as soon as possible; they are negatively affected by sudden changes in temperature;
Dwarf apple trees prefer places with close groundwater, and any drought is unacceptable for them ;
Planting apple trees: at a distance of at least 3 m, the depth of the planting hole is no more than 50 cm, its diameter is approximately 70 cm;
About 10 liters of water are poured into the dug hole for planting a tree , filled with the top part of the soil selected from the hole, humus, and compost;
A young tree is placed in the resulting thicket - the mash; the protrusion will be 2-3 centimeters above the upper edge of the hole;
The soil around the trunk is pressed down with your foot;

Why is a transplant needed?

It is best to replant an apple tree in the fall.
The plant is preparing for hibernation, metabolism slows down, and susceptibility to stress is reduced. A transplant is needed in the following cases:

In case of incorrect landing site or unsuitable soil characteristics.
Poor protection from gusts of wind.
Excessive deformation of the root collar.
Insufficient crown space.
Preparing seedlings for sale.
Transplanting sprouts due to diseases.

Transplanting seedlings in autumn

Apple tree seedlings in the fall, like older trees, begin to be planted after the leaves fall and before the ground freezes. By this time, their wood has matured and the tree is ready to withstand the conditions of the cold season.

A dug up seedling with unfallen leaves will have another problem. It will most likely turn out to be overdried, since it is through the leaves that moisture evaporates.

If there is a need to plant just such an apple tree, then you need to tear off all the leaves on it.

It is necessary to tear off all the leaves on the transplanted seedling.

If it is necessary to store the seedling, its roots are placed in a waterproof bag, to which wet sawdust, sphagnum moss or peat are added. for long-term storage and then it is better to bury the seedling.

The hole for planting a seedling must be prepared in advance by filling its lower part with a mixture of fertile soil selected from the very top when digging the hole, compost, and peat. Potassium-phosphorus fertilizers are also added. And nitrogen fertilizers are applied in the spring.

A hole measuring 0.5 x 0.5 x 0.5 m is quite suitable for a seedling.

Watch a video about transplanting apple tree seedlings in the fall:

An important question is the depth of planting of the apple tree .

It is necessary to plant it at the same level as in the nursery where it grew. Its root collar should be at ground level, but given that the soil then settles, it is placed 3-5 cm higher. Otherwise, the deepening of the root collar will affect its development and fruiting.

Important! When planting a tree, you need to make sure that the roots do not curl up .

And for good distribution and strengthening of the roots in the soil, it is recommended to water fairly well after planting.

This must also be done if it has rained and the soil is wet.

How to fertilize an apple tree in the fall when replanting?

To help the transplanted apple tree take root and adapt to a new place, you should feed it and add fertilizer. Both organic and mineral fertilizers are suitable for this purpose.

A soil mixture is prepared for a pre-dug planting hole . It will be the filler of the prepared pit.

The layer of soil lying on top is black soil. Organic fertilizer is added to it, which can be humus, compost in the amount of 2 buckets and mixed.

Then wood ash (about a kilogram) and a small amount of lime are added to the mixture.

Fertilizing the apple tree after transplantation.

It is possible to use inorganic fertilizers. For the winter it should be phosphorus-potassium fertilizers. Frost resistance will be higher .

If organic matter is added to the pit separately, it must be covered on top with chernozem - soil from the top layer of soil. This must be done to protect the tender roots of the apple tree from concentrated organic substances found in humus or compost. Otherwise, the roots may get burned.

And to neutralize excessive acidity of the soil, dolomite flour is also needed.

It would be a mistake to apply insufficiently decomposed organic fertilizers, including fresh manure. As a result, in the absence of oxygen, hydrogen sulfide and ammonia will be released in the pit, which negatively affects the root system of plants.

Excessive concentration of mineral fertilizers is also dangerous . In such an aggressive environment, beneficial microorganisms and bacteria will die.

In addition, it is strictly forbidden to water the transplanted apple tree with solutions of mineral fertilizers for the first few months.

Caring for the tree after transplantation

The transplanted apple tree needs to be provided with great attention and care. Therefore, the following tips will come in handy:

For the first time after transplanting, the tree is watered once a week;
the first year after transplantation there is no need to dig up the soil near the trunk;
in autumn the soil is mulched with humus or peat;
the trunk is tied with warm covering material;
in the spring, renewing pruning of branches is done;
in the first year you need to remove all the color from the trees;
Weeds must be removed.

A transplanted tree requires more care; it is imperative to protect the crop from frost, disease and rodents.

What to do if the roots are damaged during transplantation?

The health of the roots of a tree prepared for planting is the key to successful relocation to a new place of residence.

A transplant is always traumatic.

In this case, the roots are injured - thin fibrous ones, and sometimes large ones. The roots may be damaged even before transplantation due to soaking, disease or other reasons.

Therefore, it is very important to begin the process of transplanting an apple tree by examining its root system. And discovered diseased, non-viable, rotten and damaged roots must be removed . This can be done using pruning shears as well as a saw. Additionally, there is no need to remove old soil from the roots.

If the damage is significant, it is better to place the tree with its roots in a container of water for 2-3 days.

IMPORTANT! It is not recommended to replant apple trees with severe damage to the trunk and root system. This also applies to apple trees over 15 years old.

Changing the growing location always leads to damage to the roots, which means fewer roots will have to provide more branches and leaves with nutrients.

To correct this discrepancy, they resort to post-planting pruning of the apple tree . This pruning is carried out in the spring.

Watch a video about planting and pruning a fruit tree in the fall:

Tree replanting process

The process consists of two important procedures: removing the fruit crop from a stationary place of growth and moving it to a new location.

Digging technology

A 5-year-old apple tree must be replanted collectively so as not to damage the massive root system.

Did you know? To ensure normal functioning of the thyroid gland, it is enough to eat the seeds of one apple, which contain the daily requirement of iodine.

The procedure goes like this:

two days before transplanting, water the plant abundantly;
mark the orientation of the tree relative to the cardinal directions;
they dig up a tree - the deeper the digging is done, the more the lump of earth will have to be rounded off;
under a lump of earth they place a crowbar or a board as a lever and lift it, while inspecting it;
roots protruding beyond the coma must be cut off with sharp scissors;
using a lever, the plant is completely removed to the surface and, placing it on a tarpaulin, is transferred to a new planting site;
experts recommend making a mark on the trunk in the place where it comes into contact with the ground.

Landing at a new place

It is necessary to drive stakes around the plant for subsequent fixation of the trunk, fill the free space of the hole with humus, mulch the soil surface, and securely fasten the apple tree to the supports. Pay careful attention to the orientation of the tree relative to the cardinal directions - it is necessary to observe it in a new place to make it easier for the plant to go through the adaptation process.

Learn how to sprout an apple tree from a branch.

After moving the apple tree, the branches damaged during handling are removed, and the cuts are treated with garden varnish. Mature trees (4 years or more) need especially careful care, otherwise the plant may die in its new location.

Features of transplanting apple trees in different regions:

The climate of the area in which the apple tree will grow largely determines the transplantation method.

Often trees suffer not only from winter cold, but also from excessively wet and heavy soils.

Moscow region

So in the Moscow region, when replanting an apple tree in the fall, they first clarify the question of the availability of groundwater. If they are not very close together, it is possible to plant the tree in a prepared hole. This option is suitable for groundwater depths up to one and a half meters .

IMPORTANT! If they are closer together and the soil is clayey, the tree is planted on a soil embankment or hill.

By time it is: from September to early October. These dates are determined based on the soil temperature suitable for planting: + 8 degrees C.

Middle zone and North-West

In central Russia, this period lasts from mid-September to early October .

The relationship between groundwater levels and the root system of apple trees.

When planting in the fall in the North-West, this process must be completed much earlier, before September. Many gardeners choose fall planting time because of the higher humidity this time of year. This has a beneficial effect on root development .

But in these places, tree roots grow wider rather than deeper. In the depths lie poor and cold soils.

Siberia

In Siberia, replanting apple trees in the fall is very risky .

But if such a need has already arisen, it is possible to dig up small trees for the winter. In the fall, it is necessary to prepare the hill, and in the spring, when the ground thaws, plant the tree in a permanent place.

Apple tree transplantation: what you need to know about the root system

Of course, any tree is held in the ground thanks to its root system. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the structure of the root system of a particular plant. Trees receive moisture, nutrients and micronutrients from the soil. So special attention should be paid to the preservation of the root system during the transplantation process.

If you injure the root, the plant may die, so you should familiarize yourself with the theory of agricultural technology.

Let's look at what parts the root consists of. As the apple tree matures, it develops skeletal, fibrous and vertical roots. And all this is called in one word - root system .

The fibrous deliver nutrients to the central root and trunk of the tree . They are relatively small and thin, but it is through them that the tree feeds. Such processes recover well, so when injured they quickly regenerate. So, during the replanting process, do not be afraid to tear off additional forming roots; this will not fundamentally affect the life process of the tree.

The most voluminous roots are taproots . They are the ones who bring nutrients to the ground part and transfer them to the trunk, leaves and branches. Moreover, it is in such skeletal roots that all nutrient organic substances accumulate. It is interesting that usually in mature trees they are very long, penetrating up to 20 meters deep. The tree is supported by them. Conductive roots not only absorb those beneficial substances that the lateral processes provide them, but also deliver them to the tree trunk.

So, all the roots are connected to each other, and without certain structures, nutrition is impossible, the tree dies. Skeletal roots cannot be damaged at all. However, if you injure all the lateral forming roots, then even in this case the fruit tree may die. Therefore, when transplanting an apple tree, be very careful and careful. The root system is also a kind of organism that lives its own life.