Transplant Japanese Maple Bare Root

[M.D. Vaden]

Anybody every transplanted a Japanese Maple bare root before?

Just did one that way this week. Same size as one I moved with a root ball late last winter. But a water line ran directly under this one and I decided to move it on a rainy day by washing the soil away. Moved it about 20 feet. Filled the hole with wet soil, packing it by hand, to fill any air gaps underneath. There should be soil to root contact for all remaining roots.

It's planted about 2" above grade now, compared to before. The close walkway on the house side made it a challenge even to dig down a foot on that side.

 

[treeman82]

I did one about 6 years ago with a garden hose, and had no problems. Tried one this spring with the air spade and doubt it will make it through this year.

 

[formationrx]

transplant

it should be fine as long as you did not damage the roots. also-- your soil grade should be the same as it was before not higher -- not lower. trees dont like that. you need to raise the grade 2 inches... and personally i would consider a stone circle border that blends with the sidewalk (natural stone or 1/2 buried cobblestone/Belgian block)--- this will make dirt the right grade without a mound. when you have the dirt filled in.... water it with a mist and make sure its level and not pooling up or running off. this is fast and it looks great. i tell my clients to go pick out some different colored small stones or pebbles to put in the circle (dont use dyed mulch) (good compost is the best-- under the pebbles or by itself). that tree should be medium pruned and any deadwood removed (these are delicate trees so be careful!) before the end of april each year. i would also cut back just the tips of every branch to stimulate growth and branching out.

 

[sgreanbeans]

I think you could prune the dead,but I wouldn't touch any live tissue, those things are real picky I would wait until you are sure it is established, it needs all the leaves, to help the roots dig in.