Is it safe to transplant a ten-year-old Japanese Maple to a new location?
My sister gave me a Japanese Maple tree for my wedding. I planted it ten years ago, and it has grown to be roughly 15 feet tall. I have recently moved to a house down the street from where I planted the tree, but I've had several people tell me that if I attempt to re-plant it at my new home, it will die. The tree is very special to me, so if there is any chance it will most likely die, I'll keep it there, however, I would really love to re-plant it at my new house. Is this an advisable idea? Any help would be much appreciated. :)
Anonymous2010-08-06T15:51:46Z
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You can try this specialist website for more help and advice with that. http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/jgard/msg0503522114239.html
I transplanted one about 10' tall. A lot of patience. Wait until January when all the sap has moved back from the leaves, dig as many of the roots as possible trying not to cut main roots. You should end up with a heavy root ball. When digging your new location, always dig hole wider and deeper than the root ball. Back fill with a good mulch before putting the tree in place. After placing the tree, continue backfilling with a rich dirt a few inches at a time and water in with a hose. Continue this process to eliminate air pockets until completely backfilled to the exact location of the dirtline on the trunk. As an added measure, you could place the proper fertilizer under the tree and water before placing the tree as well. Also when complete, it helps to trim any unnecessary limbs. Continue to water the recommended amount until new growth
If the new owners are not going to cut it down, I'd just leave it. It's kind of like the saying, "If you love it, you will let it go." It's chances of surviving would be slim. Even if it did survive it would take it years to regain it's vigor. It's happy where it is, you can still drive by and see it. Let it live and grow where it is.