Transplanting a Japanese Acer

[Marty Funkhouser]

I have a Japanese Acer thats now quiet well established in my back garden after 3 years. Its now 7 feet tall and has grown well in the last year.

I'd really like to take it with me when I move but only if it has a good chance of surviving....anyone tried this?

[Simpo Two]

I can't say but the best time to move things is usually autumn when they've finished their years' growing.

[Johnnytheboy]

Acers can be a bit touchy. Plus 1 on waiting until Autumn.

[cptsideways]

Plan ahead

Segment the roots: into thirds, effectively divide into six cheese shape sections, dif around a diamater 18"/2ft around the base, about a foot down, seal off with plastic liner & refill. This will leave 1/3 rd of roots working, the rest will re-grow up to the liner.

Then dig the rest up around late autumn ideally, seal with hessian & keep it moist for immediate transplanting. Then get some mates for the heavy lift - reposition & off you go.


Courtesy of CptSidways - HND in Arboriculture

[Marty Funkhouser]

Cheers for the advice guys - I wont be moving it for a while. To be honest if I thought the new owners of my flat were going to keep it I'd leave it there as I'd hate to kill it my moving it.

[cptsideways]

Marty Funkhouser said:

Cheers for the advice guys - I wont be moving it for a while. To be honest if I thought the new owners of my flat were going to keep it I'd leave it there as I'd hate to kill it my moving it.

A bit of pre prep now though will mean its ready if you do decide to move it, should'nt take more than 30 mins to do & it wont hurt it long term just keep it watered in the dry weather.