What's the best time of year to transplant a young (4ft) Dawn Redwood tree?
Fall or spring? I’m located in central Kentucky.
Thanks!
4 Responses
Rick
30 Mar 2010
Brian A
30 Mar 2010
Usually the fall. It gives the tree a chance to get established before any hot, dry weather hits.
Lew
30 Mar 2010
I’ve heard the so called pro’s say both things. I like the logic of transplanting in the fall. Honestly, though, I’ve had more luck doing it in the spring.
ellarosa
30 Mar 2010
the beginning of the rainy season, whatever that is where you live. plants love rain more than tap water. i’ve always had the best results doing it this way. in fact, do the transplant on a rainy day, after the ground is already soaked, especially if you’re taking it out of the ground in the first place. and your root ball should be wet before you attempt any root manipulation, such as extending them out from a root bound form.
Definitely the fall, preferably early Sept. Keep the tree watered well till frost/cold weather if any hot spells arise. Generally tree roots grow throughout the winter dormancy and that growth is what facilitates the trees branch and leave growth the next year. Make sure to water the tree well the first and second year through any droughts and fertilize regularly. You can also use a root stimulator to help the root system. This you can find in liquid form at Lowes. After about the first two or three years the tree should be better equipped to handle the weather on its own. Some trees are different. I planted a maple a little over 5 years ago and it did not grow 3 inches in those 5 years. This year alone the tree grew 4-5 foot – more than doubling its size. Give the tree time to get its root base then you will see the tree start growing.