Can I move this Acer tree?

Ben Wright · January 2021

Hi all, this is my first time on here and I’m hoping to get some advice. Due to a planned extension I really want to move this beautiful Acer tree to the other side of the garden. Please could anyone help with any advice? The wooden tub rocks when you move it, but several roots have grown out the bottom and spread. Tree height is c2m with a 2m spread.

Any help or advice really appreciated!

Fairygirl · January 2021

HI @Ben Wright - I don't want to be the bearer of bad news, but....
Yes - you can move it, but as you've already discovered, roots have come through the bottom of that planter, so it will now be well established in the ground. It's a mature specimen too, so it means it's all the harder to keep it growing if you do move it.
However, if you're doing building work and it's in the way, there's no option.

It's certainly a good time to move it [when it's dormant] and it's less stressful for it. The weather is easier for establishing too, cool and wet, but don't put it in frozen ground.

I think you may have to consider getting something new though, so be prepared for it not to pull through. It's a shame, but it's often the way

Silver surfer · January 2021

Check out images here.
It can be done but will be a huge and difficult task.

https://www.google.com/search?q=move trees&tbm=isch&tbs=rimg:CdxLGcHAhGpiYTbZkq4tFfGI&client=firefox-b-d&hl=en-US&sa=X&ved=0CAIQrnZqFwoTCPC26Ljtxu4CFQAAAAAdAAAAABAH&biw=1263&bih=579

Ben Wright · February 2021

Fairy girl & Silver Surfer Thanks very much for your advice, I really appreciate it.

Fairygirl · February 2021

Good luck with it, but it's always a tricky situation

Allotment Boy · February 2021

Will the builders be using a digger? If so you might be able to get them to dig it up with a big rootball and move it. Ideally you need to have the hole ready to put it into as soon as you move it. Water it very thoroughly too.

Emerion · February 2021

We moved one about half that size in the autumn a few years ago. It was hard work and initially I thought we’d killed it. It eventually resprouted from the bottom, and 3-4 years after that is still quite small, and looks more like a shrub than a tree. After that experience, I would expect to fail with yours, but hope for the best. I agree that getting a digger to shift it in one go would be a great help, to you and the tree. Good luck 🤞

Silver surfer · February 2021

Emerion said:

We moved one about half that size in the autumn a few years ago. It was hard work and initially I thought we’d killed it. It eventually resprouted from the bottom, and 3-4 years after that is still quite small, and looks more like a shrub 🤞

Many special dwarf named Acer palmatum are grafted .
So by shooting from the bottom you could end up with 2 very different trees.
eg Top might have red, very cut /dissected leaves...a special.
Root stock shoots may be Acer palmatum with green plain leaves./not dissected.
It all depends if Acer is grafted.

Can I move this Acer tree?

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