Transplanting a Sassafras Tree - Ask Extension
What is the best method to transplant a small sassafras tree? The trunk diameter measures 1/2 inch at four feet off the ground. Can it be transplanted...
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Transplanting a Sassafras Tree #723885
Asked September 14, 2020, 4:02 PM EDT
What is the best method to transplant a small sassafras tree? The trunk diameter measures 1/2 inch at four feet off the ground. Can it be transplanted in the fall or should we wait until spring?
Wayne County Michigan
Expert Response
Good Evening,
Sassafras trees do not transplant well, but with proper preparation and by moving the tree in the spring before new leaves appear, the chance of success increases. Below is some information gathered from the USDA website regarding the Sassafras Tree. Establishment: Sassafras trees are valued for their fragrant spring bloom, interesting horizontal branching pattern, and striking fall color. The small trees are medium to fast growing and work well for landscape use as specimen trees and mass plantings. They are easy to culture and require little care. Although adapted to dry, sandy soils, they do best in moist, fertile soils in partial to full shade. Seeds, root-cuttings or suckers may propagate sassafras trees. Seeds are produced every one or two years after the plant reaches the minimum seed-bearing age of ten years. Seeds may be gathered when the fruits turn a dark blue. Seeds should be cleaned and stored at cool temperatures where they will last for up to two years. The seeds require prechilling for 120 days in order to germinate. Sow the seeds .5 to 1.5 cm deep in prepared beds in the late fall. The plants do not transplant well because of a deep taproot. It is therefore best to purchase young plants that have been grown in containers for successful transplanting.
http://www.hort.uconn.edu/plants/detail.php?pid=454
https://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/cs_saal5.pdf
I hope this helps. Thanks for using our service.
Sassafras trees do not transplant well, but with proper preparation and by moving the tree in the spring before new leaves appear, the chance of success increases. Below is some information gathered from the USDA website regarding the Sassafras Tree. Establishment: Sassafras trees are valued for their fragrant spring bloom, interesting horizontal branching pattern, and striking fall color. The small trees are medium to fast growing and work well for landscape use as specimen trees and mass plantings. They are easy to culture and require little care. Although adapted to dry, sandy soils, they do best in moist, fertile soils in partial to full shade. Seeds, root-cuttings or suckers may propagate sassafras trees. Seeds are produced every one or two years after the plant reaches the minimum seed-bearing age of ten years. Seeds may be gathered when the fruits turn a dark blue. Seeds should be cleaned and stored at cool temperatures where they will last for up to two years. The seeds require prechilling for 120 days in order to germinate. Sow the seeds .5 to 1.5 cm deep in prepared beds in the late fall. The plants do not transplant well because of a deep taproot. It is therefore best to purchase young plants that have been grown in containers for successful transplanting.
http://www.hort.uconn.edu/plants/detail.php?pid=454
https://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/cs_saal5.pdf
I hope this helps. Thanks for using our service.
Thank you! I appreciate the informative response.
Your welcome. Good Luck.
