Begin by digging a trench around the root ball. As long as your tree is dormant, cutting the roots will not damage your Japanese maple. In fact, root pruning will force the tree to produce more fibrous roots at the cut. This will help your tree become established in its new home.
Can you transplant a Japanese maple in the fall?
The best time to move the tree is in late summer or early fall, at least a month before the ground freezes. Your Japanese Maple will be very forgiving—but cut a very wide and deep hole around it and leave as much soil clinging to its roots as you can when you dig it up.
Can you transplant a mature Japanese maple?
In theory any size tree can be moved if enough of the root system remains undamaged during the transplanting. A root system of a mature 6-8 foot Crimson Queen Japanese Maple allowed to develop naturally without any restrictions can spread out over 12 feet wide and up to 3 feet deep.
How do I move an established Acer?
3 Steps to Moving a Acer Tree:
Only move deciduous trees like Acers in late winter when the ground is soft not frozen. Once replanted water as if you had just planted it (because you have) for the first 2-3 weeks and ensure that for the first year after replanting you water in periods of hot weather)
How do you move a Japanese maple without killing it? – Related Questions
Do Acers like sun or shade?
Purple and red leaved trees require a decent amount of sunlight to develop their rich, dark complexion, whilst green-leaved Acers tolerate full sun but do best with light shade at the hottest part of the day.
How large of a maple tree can be transplanted?
A tree that has a 2-inch diameter or less can usually be safely moved by a homeowner within their own yard. 2 to 4 inches in diameter becomes exponentially more difficult. Above 4 inches should be handled by professionals.
Can you transplant a full grown maple tree?
Typically, if the tree trunk is less than one inch wide, it can be safely moved by a homeowner with some help. Anything larger, and you should consider contacting your arborist experts at Mr. Tree to help transplant your maple tree safely.
Can you severely cut back a Japanese maple?
For heavier pruning, trim your Japanese Maple in summer or winter. Winter is the best time for modifying the branch structure while summer is best for thinning out the branches of your tree. If your tree is in full sun, especially in warm and southern climates, avoid pruning in temperatures over 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can you dig up a maple tree and replant?
Maple trees (Acer spp.) are easy to transplant successfully, especially when they are only three years old, 6 to 10 feet tall and can still be transplanted bare-root.
Can you move an established Acer tree?
Established trees and shrubs should be only moved if necessary as even with the best care the tree or shrub may fail to thrive or even die. Renovation may be an alternative.
How deep do Japanese maple roots go?
All Japanese maples, regardless of species, grow roots primarily in the top 24 to 36 inches of soil. The roots extend radially from the trunk in all directions. A Japanese maple’s roots do not stop at the end of the canopy branches’ reach. The roots continue growing 5 to 20 feet beyond seeking water and nutrients.
How often should I water a transplanted maple tree?
Water your new tree 2 to 3 times per week for the first few months and gradually reduce the watering to promote good root growth.
Is Miracle Grow good for maple trees?
Tip 3 I only recommend using liquid type fertilizer like Miracle-Gro® on Japanese maples during the first summer, and only to help establish the tree. Once you see good growth you can stop liquid feeding. IMPORTANT; Do not liquid feed in late fall or early spring.
Is Epsom salt good for maple trees?
The Epsom Salt Council has even stated that Epsom salt actually “helps seeds germinate, makes plants grow bushier, produces more flowers, increases chlorophyll production and deters pests, such as slugs and voles.” It’s even been used to help counteract transplant shock in trees and plants.
What is the best fertilizer for Japanese maples?
The best fertilizer for Japanese maple trees that are mature is 1/10 pound of nitrogen for every 1 inch of the tree’s diameter. This tree trunk diameter should be measured at four and a half feet from the ground.
Is Miracle Grow soil good for Japanese maple?
For Japanese maples that will be regularly watered by an irrigation system, a soil with more perlite is ideal. An example of this would be a regular bag of miracle grow mix.
Are coffee grounds good for Japanese maples?
So maintain a humus-rich soil by applying coffee grounds. Coffee grounds are free at Starbucks. For a 4-foot-tall Japanese maple, I recommend applying 4 pounds of coffee grounds per tree per season.
Is vinegar good for Japanese maple?
Another great trick is to use water treated with vinegar (1 Tbsp. per gallon) to re-acidify the soil and wash away impurities.