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It is not advisable to replant an apple tree in the summer, since the tree will become sick and may not even take root in the new place. However, young seedlings can be replanted, including in central regions. It is better to start work towards the end of August, and the site is prepared in the spring.
Is it possible to replant an apple tree in summer?
It is not advisable to replant an apple tree in June and other summer months. The fact is that during this period the tree grows, blooms and bears fruit. In the summer months, sap flow in the vessels is at its peak, the roots grow well, and if they are disturbed, they will hurt for a long time.
Therefore, the optimal time to transplant an apple tree is mid-autumn. During this period, the development of the plant ends, the roots are prepared for winter. If the autumn deadline is missed, the transplant can be planned for mid-spring. This option is recommended for Siberia, the Urals, and northern regions.
Despite the fact that replanting an apple tree in the summer in August and other months is undesirable, in case of emergency it is possible. When carrying out the procedure, it is worth considering several features:
- First of all, select seedlings that are grown in containers.They have a good root system, and they also have the ability to form a dense earthen ball so as not to injure underground layers during transplantation. To do this, water the soil in the pot well beforehand, and the next day the crop is planted in the ground.
- Replanting an apple tree with bare roots in the summer is more difficult. To do this, it is worth choosing winter-hardy varieties. Their roots will take root faster in a new place and will be less damaged by frost.
- If you transplant an apple tree in June or other summer months, it will require a large amount of fertilizing. During this period, nitrogen is no longer given; the main emphasis is on superphosphate and potassium compounds. In mid-autumn, give wood ash - it will help the roots quickly take root in a new place.
- You will also need to water the tree well and mulch. Injured roots need a lot of water.
In summer, replanting can only be done as a last resort.
When to replant an apple tree in summer
Active plant growth occurs in the first half of summer, so replanting the apple tree in June and July would be the wrong decision. It is best to schedule work for August, preferably towards the end of the month. This period is justified for the Urals, Siberia and northern regions.
At the same time, trees should not be dug up during periods of prolonged rains or, conversely, during drought. At this moment they are especially vulnerable to pests and diseases.
Site preparation
First you need to choose a location. It must meet several criteria:
- Good lighting - do not choose areas with strong shadows.
- Remoteness from large trees that take up a lot of nutrients and water.
- Open space with constant air flow.
- Avoid lowlands - moisture accumulates here, which in excess amounts harms the plant.
- Lack of groundwater - it is advisable that it does not reach higher than 2-3 m.
When transplanting apple trees, they can be placed next to rowan, pear, and plum trees. Some varieties will need pollinators, this needs to be clarified in advance.
It is worth starting to prepare the site for transplanting an apple tree in the summer in advance, preferably in the spring. It is dug up and compost or humus is added in an amount of 10 kg per 1 m2. If there is a lot of clay in the soil, you need to add sand or sawdust up to 3-5 kg for the same area. Since the apple tree grows well in slightly acidic and neutral soils, it is recommended to measure the pH before replanting. If it turns out to be less than 5.5, add dolomite flour or wood ash up to 300 g per square meter.
If the crowns are spreading, then when replanting, holes are dug at a distance of 5-7 m from each other. If the apple trees are columnar, with a compact crown, you can take a minimum interval of 1 m. The depth of the hole should be 60-80 cm, and the width should be up to 1 m so that the roots can be freely located in the ground.
Apple trees grow well in open areas
When arranging a pit for transplantation, proceed as follows:
- Mark several holes and dig them to a depth of 80 cm.
- Lay a layer of drainage (20 cm) - these can be small stones, expanded clay, pebbles, broken bricks.
- Then add a mixture of turf soil with humus (a bucket per hole), potassium sulfate (30 g) and superphosphate (200 g).
- The soil is sprinkled, watered and allowed to stand for 2-3 weeks.
Technology for transplanting an apple tree to a new location in summer
Features of transplanting an apple tree greatly depend on the specific type of planting material. It is easiest to work with seedlings, more difficult with young and mature trees. The main technologies are described step by step below.
Saplings
Transplanting seedlings is the easiest option. As a rule, they are sold in containers; the root system is closed, so even when transplanted in the summer, it will not suffer much. There are a few things to check before starting the transplant:
- The container has holes for drainage - roots should not hang through them.
- The soil in the container must be sufficiently compacted.
- The day before replanting in summer, water the pot well and let it sit.
Work algorithm:
- A peg 1 m high is placed in the center of the planting hole.
- During transplantation, the soil is dug up to make room for the seedling.
- Take the pot and use a sharp knife to make longitudinal cuts in the plastic in several places.
- Keeping the earthen ball as much as possible, replant it, placing the seedling in the center.
- Water and mulch.
Young
The technology for replanting a young apple tree in the summer depends on whether it has a closed root system or an open one. If the seedling is in a large container with a volume of 10 liters or more, it is transferred in approximately the same way as an annual plant.
The sequence of actions when transplanting in summer is as follows:
- Water the pot thoroughly to form an earthen ball.
- Carefully pull the trunk of the apple tree and pull it out along with the adhering soil.
- Place in a hole with previously prepared soil.
- Sprinkle and deepen the root collar by 5-8 cm.
- Water and mulch.
Scheme of a planting pit for a young crop
If the apple tree grows in open ground, replanting in the summer is more difficult. First you need to dig it around the perimeter of the crown, the depth should be up to 60 cm. In this case, the lump is taken in such a way that it can actually be lifted. After this, water thoroughly and wait 1-2 days. They pull it out by the trunk, helping to pry up the earthen lump with a shovel or rake, and then transfer it to a new place. It's better to work together.
Adult
If the apple tree is mature, replanting in the summer is more difficult because the tree is too large. The technology is approximately the same, but two or three people will have to work. You need to do this:
- Dig a trench up to 2 m deep along the perimeter of the crown.
- Water the soil thoroughly and wait 2-3 days.
- Use a crowbar to pry the apple tree, pull it out by the trunk and lay it on a thick cloth.
- Wrap and tie up spreading branches.
- Drag to the hole and transplant.
- Pegs are driven in around the tree and the trunk is secured.
- After transplantation, the tree trunk circle should not be dug up for a year.
- In the fall, they mulch with humus and tie the trunks.
Columnar
Transplanting a columnar apple tree in the summer follows the same technology as a young tree. But in this case it is important to leave as much earthen clod as possible. The fact is that the tree’s root system is superficial and develops well horizontally. Some of the underground layering will inevitably suffer, but if everything is done correctly, the tree will take root in the new location.
Before transplanting, water the soil thoroughly. Then the tree is planted in a new place with an interval of 1 m (50 cm is allowed).Install pegs and tie up the trunk. Water and mulch.
Karlikova
It is easiest to transplant dwarf apple trees because they are small and the roots are not too deep. The technology is exactly the same. In this case, it is necessary to leave an interval of at least 2 m between the trees, optimally 3 m. The diameter of the dug hole should be 60-70 cm.
Features of transplantation in different regions
Transplantation in summer can be done in the following regions:
- middle zone, including the Moscow region;
- Volga region;
- Chernozem region;
- southern regions.
As for the Urals, Siberia, North-West, Far East and northern regions, it is not advisable to replant here in the summer. With a high probability, the seedlings will not have time to prepare in winter and will die. It is better to start work in the spring or at the end of August.
Lungwort is one of the varieties of apple trees that can be replanted in summer
Care after transplant
After the procedure, it is necessary to ensure good care of the culture. Apple trees are watered once every 7-10 days (if there is no rain). When transplanting in the summer, young seedlings are given 2-3 buckets of water, adults - up to 8. The soil is mulched. There is no need to loosen it - it is better not to disturb the roots.
Fertilizers can be applied once in September - the trees are watered with an infusion of wood ash (300 g per 10 l per 1 m2). Instead, you can use superphosphate (40 g per 10 l) and potassium salt (20 g). For the winter, carefully mulch. For this purpose, hay, straw, pine needles and other materials are used.
Conclusion
You can replant an apple tree in the summer only if absolutely necessary.Even if all the rules are followed, the tree will get sick, and some seedlings may die. Therefore, it is best to plan a transplant for autumn or spring.
