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Transplanting an Acer Palmatum - At the worst possible time!

MikeIpMikeIp Posts: 12
in Problem solving
Hi

I recently had to transplant an Acer Palmatum. Ideally I would have done this during the winter when it was dormant but the tree was planted in my parents garden which, due to a sudden house sale, had to be moved at short notice. Long story short, I either move it now or lose it for good.

I did my best to keep as much of the root ball in tact but for a tree which is 10+ years old and has a trunk of around 3 inches wasn't an easy task. Three large roots had to be severed but a good portion of the fibrous type roots remained (although there were far fewer of these than I'd expected).

I had pre-dug the hole at the new location and prepared the soil which is of good quality, the process of extraction and replanting took no longer than 3 hours. However, after a week the leaves have begun to dry out and look in poor health - probably not a surprise especially with the less than helpful 30 degree weather.

I have been watering it daily and misting the foliage but I think it's obvious the tree isn't happy. I have also mulched the surrounding ground to help prevent too much moisture loss.

My question is, is there anything else I can do to improve the chances of keeping the tree alive?

Many thanks

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Posts

  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    They don't do well in hot sun. The leaves get burnt. Does it have any shelter?
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • MikeIpMikeIp Posts: 12
    It's sheltered from the sun until midday. However, the spot I moved it from in my parents garden was in full sun and it thrived in that location. 
  • OmoriOmori Posts: 1,674
    That looks to be far too sunny of a location, Japanese Maples need dappled shade, and shelter from drying winds.  Is there anywhere more suitable? 
  • MikeIpMikeIp Posts: 12
    Omori said:
    That looks to be far too sunny of a location, Japanese Maples need dappled shade, and shelter from drying winds.  Is there anywhere more suitable? 
    Unfortunately, it's a westerly facing garden so offers little shade. It is in shade until midday though. It was in full sun in my parents garden and seemed to love it there, it always looked healthy.
  • OmoriOmori Posts: 1,674
    Could you rig up some temporary shading?  It won't survive the stress of being under the hot sun from midday on.
  • MikeIpMikeIp Posts: 12
    I could move it along to the end of the raised bed which has a few hours more shade, I wonder if it's worth the extra stress of moving it though?

    Regarding temporary shading could I drape a mesh over the tree to provide the dappled shade?
  • BobFlannigonBobFlannigon Posts: 619
    I have one in full sun that does just fine.  In fact, I had to move it to before the leaves had started dropping too (that was about 3 years ago).  The darker varieties tend to resist the sun a little better, so I think the worst you should expect is a few singed leaves.  Keep watering it if the soil is dry and don't expect anything from it this year, I'm sure next year it'll burst back into life and look great!
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    I find the red ones more susceptible. I had to move one from a north facing patio. It only got the sun midday in mid summer. It still got burnt to a crisp.  It's doing fine now planted out in dappled shade.
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • edhelkaedhelka Posts: 2,351
    I have one in a west facing garden, full afternoon sun position, doing well. If it was moved from a sunny position to sunny position, I would say that three is used to the sun. I wouldn't move it again. Some loss of leaves is expected with a move like this, keep watering and hopefully it will get better next spring.
  • MikeIpMikeIp Posts: 12
    So I've taken the advice to offer it some shade. Not sure how useful it'll prove to be considering most of the leaves seem to have already dried out somewhat but here it is!



    Not the prettiest solution but I guess it may help!

    I'll be crossing my fingers until next Spring to see if it pulls through.

    Thanks!
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