This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.
Moving an Acer Tree
Sophie Jean
Posts: 5
in Talkback
I am in the process of selling my house and have a beautiful red acer tree that we planted 5 years ago that I would like to take with me when I do move. It was an engagement gift from my Dad so has sentimental value. It is quite large in size now (about 7ft high) and seems to do really well where we planted it. I am considering taking it out in the next few weeks and taking it to my mum's garden temporarily - would it be ok in a large container for a while, or should it be planted in the ground straight away again?
I don't want to move it if it's going to kill it off as it's a really nice tree and that would be a shame so would just leave it behind.
Any advice would be much appreciated!
0
Posts
technically any tree can be moved, if you've got the right equipment.
7ft is pretty tall and you'll have a pretty big root system to deal with.
Firstly, have you made it clear to prospective buyers that you're thinking of taking it?
If you dig your spade down about .5m (More if you think you can lift it )from the trunk and work your way round then start to lever it, with help, you should be able to get a sheet of heavy tarpaulin or sack underneath which will make moving it easier.
From experience they don't have massively deep root systems but they spread.
It would also help if you could leave it until after it's shed its leaves, but time might be against you here.
Heavier soils tend to keep the roots system tighter than light sandy soils.
If you get it out and find you've cut a lot of roots, give the top a prune so it's got less to look after next year when growth commences.
snap Philippa.
When we moved I told prospective buyers " if it's in a pot it's coming with us"