"Chris Hogg" wrote in message
...

On Mon, 18 Jul 2016 14:03:22 -0700 (PDT), wrote:

I've heard that the advisable time to transplant a tree is in spring or
autumn. If I do it in midsummer, how much more risky is this? I'd really
like to get the old tree moved so I can plant a different tree in the
same place as soon as possible.

Thanks...
JD

I'm not clear whether you're concerned for the tree you're about to
dig up, or the tree you're going to put in its place.

If the former, now is not a good time, especially with the very hot
weather we're having ATM. In fact I can't think of a worse time, but
if you must...

First, dig the hole that you're going to transplant it into, and fill
it with water. This is so that you can put the tree straight into the
hole when you've dug it up, and it doesn't sit about in the hot sun
while you're preparing it's new site.

Now water the tree very well, and let the water soak into the soil for
several hours before you do anything, so that the soil around the
roots is good and damp. Then drive a sharp spade straight down all
round the base of the tree, about 12 - 18 inches out from the trunk,
to sever all the long roots. Then dig a trench all round on the
outside of the cut, about 12 inches deep, and start to cut under the
tree to sever the deep roots. Work some sacking or a large compost bag
under the root ball and bring the edges up all around the trunk and
tie with string. You, or preferably you and an assistant, should now
be able to lift the tree out of the hole and move it to it's new
position. Drop it in the new hole, remove the string and sacking or
compost bag, and back fill all around. Make sure that the old soil
level around the trunk is the same as the soil level at the new
position, i.e. don't bury the root ball, or have it standing proud.
Firm it in well by treading all round, and water well. Water it at
least twice a week for several weeks while the new roots grow and get
established. Erecting some form of artificial shading, or covering the
tree with fine netting to keep the sun off, would be a good idea in
this hot weather.

When planting the new tree, first water it well in it's pot. Then
knock the pot off the root ball, and examine the root-ball to see if
it's pot-bound. If it is, like this http://tinyurl.com/hdnr82p then
tease out and loosen the roots as here http://tinyurl.com/z5bk98c so
that the root-ball looks good and shaggy. Fill the hole with water.
When it's soaked away, put the new tree into the hole and back-fill
with soil, making sure you keep the top of the root-ball at soil
level, as above. Firm in etc. also as above. Keep well watered for the
next few weeks.

Two more points. You should think about digging some compost into the
new site for old tree, and the old site for the new tree, before
planting either. You should also think about staking the trees, when
you should drive the stake in before you plant the them
http://tinyurl.com/m5arxse.

Lastly, pray!

JD, I believe it would be ten times easier to leave the tree in situ and
move home.