Should I move my apple tree? - Ask Extension
I planted an apple tree in my yard, but decided to put in a vegetable garden around it. Now I am not so sure this was a good idea in the long run. I k...
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Should I move my apple tree? #482416
Asked September 02, 2018, 4:21 PM EDT
I planted an apple tree in my yard, but decided to put in a vegetable garden around it. Now I am not so sure this was a good idea in the long run. I know that the tree will grow and bring lots of shade to my garden in the future, which based on a lot of reading I have done, this is not a good thing for my other vegetables and plants in the garden. If I understood correctly the vegetables need a lot of sunlight. So my question is, should I move it to another spot? And if so, when? Should I wait for spring or right before winter, or even now? I have uploaded two pictures, one is from a distance so that you could see what I refer to when say it in the middle of my garden. And the other to get a close up. Thanks
Ramsey County Minnesota
Expert Response
You are correct that the tree will eventually shade the garden; vegetables need sun!
It appears the tree is very young. Planted this year? If it was a container tree or in ball and burlap the root ball is still in tact and you can move it any time right now, but don't delay. Just be sure you get as much of a root ball as possible. Once you plant it mulch it and keep it watered until the ground freezes.
If the tree was a bare root the same applies, but be VERY careful about getting a big root ball. Again mulch and water.
Do you have any other apple tree species around? With apple trees it takes "two to tango."
It appears the tree is very young. Planted this year? If it was a container tree or in ball and burlap the root ball is still in tact and you can move it any time right now, but don't delay. Just be sure you get as much of a root ball as possible. Once you plant it mulch it and keep it watered until the ground freezes.
If the tree was a bare root the same applies, but be VERY careful about getting a big root ball. Again mulch and water.
Do you have any other apple tree species around? With apple trees it takes "two to tango."
yes it was pkanted this early summer, and it was bare root, but im not sure what u mean by root ball?
yes it was pkanted this early summer, and it was bare root, but im not sure what u mean by root ball?
yes it was pkanted this early summer, and it was bare root, but im not sure what u mean by root ball?
The root ball of a tree is the roots and the soil surrounding them. The tree has been developing a root structure since you planted it. When you move the tree you need to sure you get as much of the root structure as possible, so don't just pull it out of the ground. Dig around the tree to get as much the root and the soil around the roots as you can manage. You want minimal disturbance of the root structure.
