It's always best to move trees and bushes as infrequently as possible, but there are several reasons you might need to transplant a fruit tree. Because most fruit trees are hard to grow from seed, every tree will need to be transplanted from its original pot to its final growing location. You may also need to move older trees if they're at risk of damage from building or landscaping activities. In every case, it's important to plan your transplant carefully, because even vigorous specimens can suffer severe damage from transplant shock.
While some fruit trees can withstand planting at any time of year, most should be moved in early spring before their active growth phase, or during the cold season when the tree is dormant. You risk killing the tree if you move it when it has already begun to show signs of bud swelling.
Before transplanting any tree, select a long-term site a suitable distance from other trees. Avoid sites with compacted soil, as well as areas close to power lines, driveways, fences, buildings and other structures. Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the tree you wish to transplant. If the soil is dry, fill the hole with water the day before transplanting to prevent the tree from drying out.
Moving Existing Trees
Dig up established trees with care to avoid severing important roots. Because mature trees can be heavy, you may need to use an additional support, such as an arborist block and tackle, to remove them from their existing location. Dig up all trees by hand, making a trench around the outside edge of the canopy and digging down 15 to 24 inches to allow for the major roots. Use a sharp spade to cut minor roots cleanly. Wrap the root ball in damp burlap or other material until you can plant the tree.
Inspect both seedlings and established fruit trees thoroughly before planting. Trim off any damaged or kinked roots, then lower the tree into its new location slowly. Spread the roots out in the planting hole to prevent girdling. Back-fill the hole with topsoil to the same depth at which it was originally planted. Mulch the area around the tree with organic material, keeping the mulch three to six inches away from the trunk. Water the transplanted fruit tree only when the soil around the trunk has become dry.
If you must move a tree, do so when it is relatively small. Older fruit trees are much more likely to suffer from transplant shock, and they may not survive the planting process. Even younger trees may have a smaller crop or reduced growth the year following a transplant.
- University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources: Fruit Trees: Planting and Care of Young Trees
- University of California, The California Garden Web: Advice to Grow By
- University of Kentucky: Transplanting Trees and Shrubs
- California Rare Fruit Growers: Fig
- Utah State University Cooperative Extension: FAQ
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