Digging out Maple Tree

[ninnymary]

About 3 years ago, I planted a maple tree in the ground. It is now about 5' tall. I have decided to remove it and plant a fruit tree in it's place. I want to slowly remove non fruiting trees in my small back yard to make room for semi-dwarf fruit trees.

I want to transplant this maple into a pot and possibly try to sell it on craigs list.

Will the tree survive the transplant? When should I try to do it? Any special tips on how to do it?

Thanks
Mary

 

[HunkieDorie23]

I am in the same boat. I want to move 2 apple trees we planted 4 years ago, about 5' tall. I think you really have to wait until they are dormant to move them. You know a maple tree does produce maple syrup. Are you sure you want to get rid of it?

 

[ninnymary]

HunkieDorie...I don't think I have that type of maple tree. I should have said it's a japanese maple.

mary

 

[patandchickens]

If you want to sell it for $ I might suggest listing it on CL but saying "you dig"... that way, they cannot hold you responsible if it fails to do well.

Normally trees are most easily moved when they are small (like, less than 4-5' tall) and carrying no leaves, so either before leafing out in spring or after dropping leaves in the fall.

If you really want to try digging and moving a tree while in leaf, it is really smartest to wait til later in the summer (ideally *after* the hottest part of summer), when the tree is fully leafed out for the year and when, if it loses some or all its leaves due to transplant shock, it can just 'sit tight' til next spring.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

 

[HunkieDorie23]

HunkieDorie...I don't think I have that type of maple tree. I should have said it's a japanese maple.

mary

Oops, that won't help. We have 2 Maples in the front yard that are just about the right size for tapping, that why I thought of it.

 

[vfem]

If you want to sell it for $ I might suggest listing it on CL but saying "you dig"... that way, they cannot hold you responsible if it fails to do well.

Normally trees are most easily moved when they are small (like, less than 4-5' tall) and carrying no leaves, so either before leafing out in spring or after dropping leaves in the fall.

If you really want to try digging and moving a tree while in leaf, it is really smartest to wait til later in the summer (ideally *after* the hottest part of summer), when the tree is fully leafed out for the year and when, if it loses some or all its leaves due to transplant shock, it can just 'sit tight' til next spring.

Good luck, have fun,

Pat

Totally write, plus take pictures of it fully leafed out to list on craigslist to sell, wait until fall and then you can take that money to buy your fruit trees which are best planted dormant in fall too! So... win win!

 

[ninnymary]

Oh Vfem....good idea! Thanks everyone for the great advise. I will try to be patient and wait till the fall.

Mary