Transplanting Trees

Select the native trees that relate best to your area.

Native trees tend to be hardy to local weather conditions and local soils. They may be more tolerant of local garden insects and diseases, too.

Many native or wild plants can be used in the home landscape. Native trees tend to be hardy to local weather conditions and local soils. They may be more tolerant of local garden insects and diseases, too. Most are easy to grow, but the task of transplanting the desired native tree from the woods to your lawn can be difficult.

Winter is best…

The wet, cold days of winter are ideal times for transplanting native plants. But, if you can't provide similar growing conditions to those in which the native plant is growing, leave the plant to nature.

Consider your landscape…

Before digging, decide which native plants will fit your landscape needs. For instance, don't select a dogwood for a sunny location when the tree needs shade or overhead protection.

Smaller is better…

Also, don't try to transplant a large specimen. Small plants are usually more vigorous, grow much faster, and are easier to handle. You might want to tag the plant in the woods while it has leaves or berries. This way you can be sure of a positive identification .

Prune first…

In the case of a large tree, prune the root system of the selected native tree before digging. Prune the plant's lateral roots one growing season before you plan to transplant it. Do so by making spade cuts around the plant in winter.

Allow the soil to remain in place, however. When transplanting, lift the plant with a ball of dirt, if possible. Plant the native tree immediately at its normal growing depth. Water it well and mulch with leaves, straw or leaf mold.

To compensate for the loss of root area and to encourage new branching and foliage in the spring, prune the upper branches and end shoots of limbs. On evergreen plants, strip away some of the foliage.

Good candidates…

Native plants which can be transplanted successfully include: Dogwood, Redbud, River Birch, Sassafras, Cherry Laurel, Red Cedar, American Holly, Yaupon, native hawthorns, French Mulberry, native oaks, elms, and maples. These are desirable and abundant.

For more information on transplanting trees, contact your local County Extension Office.