Transplanting a redbud tree

(Question)

I live near the Humber River. The soil is very sandy. I have a red bud grown from seed. It is 5 feet tall. It is in a shady area. I would like to transplant it to my son’s garden in Stouffville. Is September a good time to do this? Any advice would be welcome.

(Answer)

Thank you for contacting the Toronto Master Gardeners.

September would be a fine time to transplant your Redbud as this would allow the tree to settle in, grow new roots, somewhat recover from the shock of the move and benefit from cooler weather.

Here are a few general guidelines:

  1. Select a planting site in your son’s garden. Dig a hole that will be wide and deep enough to accommodate a large root ball.  Pile up the excess soil to the side as you will need this to fill in around the tree once you get it on site.  It is a good idea to cover over the hole with a tarp, plastic sheeting or some boards as this helps retain soil moisture and protects the hole should there be heavy rainfall.
  2. Back in your garden, mark the tree trunk with some masking tape where it meets the soil – this is the level you will need to plant the tree in your son’s garden, no higher or lower.
  3. Dig up as large a root ball as you can, keeping as much of the surrounding soil in place.
  4. Gently move it onto some burlap, a tarp or into a large pot.  If using burlap or a tarp, fold, wrap and tie with twine in order to keep it together while being transported.  If using a large pot, place some soil in the bottom, add the root mass and finally fill the remainder of the pot with soil from the hole.
  5. It is preferable to do this move on the same day; if not then you should water the tree in the pot or the wrapping as the roots will need moisture.
  6. At the new location, to get a guide to see if the pre-prepared hole is large enough, gently place the root ball into the hole.  If it is not wide or deep enough (using the masking tape as a guide), then adjust with more digging.
  7. Water the hole well and let it drain away.
  8. Place the root ball into the hole and rotate it gently until you get it set to the desired aspect in the garden.
  9. Fill in the hole using the soil from the new site location.  Starting around the bottom press the soil in and around the roots, gradually filling in all the spaces until you reach grade level (and masking tape).
  10. Press the soil firmly around the tree to make sure it is well secured and stable.
  11. Water the tree in thoroughly.
  12. Top dress around the tree with 2-3 inches of mulch in order to help retain soil moisture – make sure mulch is not directly up against the tree trunk.
  13. Daily watering is ideal for the first couple of weeks and thereafter, every second day until freeze-up.
  14. In the spring, take back any remaining mulch, top dress with 2-3 inches of good quality compost or well rotted manure and then re-mulch.
  15. Watering at this stage should be about 2-3 times per week.

Hope this information is helpful.