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You are here: Experts > Science > Environmental Issues > Environmental Science > Transplanting Young Dogwood Tree
Expert: Jim Hyland - 10/15/2009
Question
I'm writing to ask if it is recommended that I relocate a 2-year old Dogwood tree that is not doing well. I live about 50 miles west of Sacramento, Calif, which often has many days in the high 90's and above from July-Sept. The tree was planted in an area that is not sufficiently shaded, so it's exposed to intense afternoon sun for 4-5 hours. Plus, it's in a clay soil that I don't think is properly aerated and mulched. Last April, the tree started flowering, but then we were hit with a week of triple-digit temperatures, and the tree never seemed to recover. I subsequently treated the leaves for a fungus, as initially evaluated by my local nursery, but in late August, when I returned to the nursery with a sample twig, they then concluded the leaves were scorched, so I proceeded to cover the tree with a screen until last week. Throughout the summer the leaves turned brown quickly, starting at the outer edges first. Even as late as end of September, there seemed to be new leaves, but they'd almost immediately turn brown. From what I've read, could I possibly have root rot? I have an area in my backyard that I think would offer the Dogwood a much better micro climate, protected by a canopy of other trees, and exposed mainly to morning sun. Top soil has also been added to the area. I'd really like to save this tree. It looks like it's definitely suffering where it is, but I know there likewise are risks in moving it. Is it better to keep the tree where it is, and just continue to shade it once it gets hot until the tree is older and more established, or should I take the chance of transplanting it while it's still young? If you advise relocating it, do you recommend I do it now (mid October), or wait until late fall, or even early spring? And, any planting instructions you may offer will be most appreciated. Thank you very much for your assistance.
Answer
Dogwoods like a more shady environment so I would move the tree.
Deciduous trees and shrubs may be planted either in the spring or the fall. Deciduous plants may be moved in the spring as soon as the frost is out of the ground, up until the time when new foliage is partly unfurled. In the fall, they may be planted once the leaves start to turn color up until the ground freezes. I would do it in the Fall after the leaves drop if the ground does not freeze where you are.
When you want to dig up a tree or shrub for transplanting, retain as much of the root system as possible. Deciduous trees can be successfully moved only if a ball of soil is left around the roots. The exposed roots should be protected with moist burlap or newspaper or with polyethylene sheeting. Every effort should be made to reduce root exposure to wind and sun, keeping the ball as moist as possible. It's best to prepare the hole before digging up the tree you wish to move.
Size of the root ball and size of the hole:
For deciduous trees and shrubs the soil ball should be:
Width = 9-12 in. in diameter/every 1 in. of tree diameter
Depth = 6 in./every 1 in. of tree diameter
For example: A tree trunk 2 inches wide would need a soil ball of 18-24 inches wide and 12 inches deep.
Dig the new hole twice the size of the rootball and as deep and fill with good top soil or potting soil. Plant so that the top of the rootball is at the same level as the ground. Mulch around the tree with not more than 3 inches deep of organic mulch not piled up on the trunk.
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