- 1). Wait to transplant your tree during a time when it is not in a stage of active growth. Usually the best time to transplant is in the fall when the ground is still soft enough to extract the tree shrub. According to the North Dakota State University of Agriculture and Applied Science, transplanting a large tree or evergreen during a period of active growth could result in serious transplant shock.
- 2). Scar the sides of the transplanting hole with a shovel or hoe before the tree is transplanted. A small, three-pronged hoe is a good instrument to use for this task, as you can easily run it up and down the hole giving it rough ridge marks in the soil. The transplanting machine has a tendency to glaze or smooth the sides of the transplanting hole. In moist locations or clay beds, this could produce a hole that roots cannot penetrate, which would mean your evergreen would not be able to establish once transplanted. A simple, quick scarring before planting will allow the roots to embed in the soil and establish.
- 3). Water your transplanted tree regularly. When the warmer months arrive, your tree can start to show signs of stress. Needles may turn brown and you may see dark brown patches near the trunk. While evergreens are usually drought tolerant, they need to be watered regularly after transplant to avoid stress. If you feel the soil near the tree's trunk and it is dry to the touch, you need to water your tree.
- 4). Continue to care for your tree for at least one year after transplant, but depending on the size it could be more. Measure your tree trunk. For every inch of diameter, count one year that you need to continue to care for and monitor for transplant shock. If your tree's trunk is 5 inches in diameter, you need to pay extra attention to the tree for five years after transplant.
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