Acer

[maggie01]

I have an Acer about 3ft hight and the same wide. I would like to move it. What is the best time to do this and also is it likely to survive?

[Thunderbird+]

Hi maggie01,
Assuming its one of the ornamental Japanese maples you have, I think it stands a fair chance of survival if you follow a few simple rules -

Transplant in the autumn after the leaves have fallen.

Dig out carefully and try to keep a big a root ball as possible with a minimum of root damage.

Wrap the roots after lifting to keep them moist and out of the drying wind.

Prepare the planting hole well and add plenty of ericacious compost and mix in with the soil with a fork. Make the hole square rather than round, the roots will find it easier to penatrate into the corners.

Stake the tree (especially important on a windy site) If you angle the stake away from the root-ball it will avoid root damage, the top of the stake is best facing the prevailing wind.

Water in well and add 3 or 4 inches of mulch around the base with some slow reliese fertiliser mixed in, leaf-mould would be ideal. Good Luck Tbird+

[skylight]

Hi Maggie01, If you do what "Tbird" says you will have an excellent chance of survival.

[maggie01]

Thanks to both of you. I was going to move it last year but chickened out. I will definately have a go this year.

[sarah_louise]

Please try and find out what type it is. A sycamore tree is in the Acer family. A lot of Acers like very cute and then suddenly grow huge.

[maggie01]

I don't know which one this is as it was inherited from previous owners, but I do know that it is about 5or 6 yrs old.