Hey everyone, Elias here! You know how much I love seeing my garden grow and thrive, and sometimes that means moving a plant to a spot where it can really flourish. Today, I want to talk about transplanting a white ash tree. It might sound a little intimidating, but with the right approach, it’s a really rewarding process.
White ash trees are beautiful, strong trees, and they can adapt to new locations with a bit of care. I’ve done this a few times in my own yard, and I’ve learned a thing or two along the way.
When to Transplant
The best time to move a white ash is when it’s dormant. This usually means late fall after the leaves have dropped, or very early spring before new growth begins. Moving a tree when it’s not actively growing helps reduce the stress on the roots and gives it a better chance to establish itself in its new spot.
Preparing the New Location
Before you even think about digging up the ash, get its new home ready. Dig a hole that’s about twice as wide as the tree’s root ball will be, and just as deep. You want to give those roots plenty of room to spread out. If you have heavy clay soil, consider amending the hole with some compost or other organic matter. This will help with drainage and provide some initial nutrients.
Digging Up the Ash
This is where the real work comes in. You want to dig a nice, wide circle around the base of the tree. The general rule of thumb is to dig out about 10-12 inches for every inch of the tree’s trunk diameter. It’s important to get as much of the root ball as possible. You can use a sharp spade or a root saw for this. Once you’ve dug around the tree, carefully try to slide something like burlap or a tarp underneath the root ball. This will make it much easier to move.
Moving the Tree
Get some help for this part! Moving a tree, even a younger one, can be heavy. Gently lift or roll the tree onto your tarp or burlap. Then, carefully move it to its new location. Place it in the prepared hole, making sure the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding ground. You don’t want to plant it too deep or too shallow.
Backfilling and Watering
Once the tree is in place, start backfilling the hole with the soil you removed, mixing in some of that compost if you have it. Gently firm the soil around the roots as you go to eliminate air pockets. After the hole is filled, water the tree thoroughly. This helps settle the soil and gives the roots a good drink. You can also create a small berm or basin around the tree to help hold water in place.
Aftercare is Key
For the first year or so, keep an eye on your transplanted ash. Water it regularly, especially during dry spells. It’s better to water deeply and less frequently than to give it light sprinklings. You can also add a layer of mulch around the base of the tree, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk. Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.
Transplanting takes patience, but seeing that white ash settle in and start to grow in its new spot is incredibly satisfying. It’s a great way to give a tree a second chance and add more natural beauty to your landscape. Happy gardening!