Jangchub wrote:


Moving any tree or large shrub in Texas (where I live) at this time of
year is certain death, no question.

The very best time to move any tree, any climate is when you'd plant
it originally.

I have never heard this theory before. Perhaps you can explain the
logic behind it? Are you saying that it should be planted at the optimal
time for that climate, or are you saying just match up the season it was
originally planted in? If you mean the former, in any area I can think of,
fall would be the best time. If you mean the later, it makes no sense.

So, if fruit tree planting time is in the late winter,
that's when it would be good to move them. In areas where the ground
freezes, I suggest you dig the holes where you'll move the trees to
and fill the holes with leaves till you're ready to dig out the trees.
One other thing would make it easier, root prune the tree in early
fall with a shovel or sharp shooter so if the ground is frozen in late
winter you will not have too hard a time removing the tree from its
old location.

Where in the world do you plant trees in the dead of winter? Perhaps
you are thinking of a warm zone, where the ground never freezes, but
I think early spring would work much better, and even better in fall.
Fall is usually the best time because the earth is still warm and roots
can grow somewhat before the cold winter temperatures set in.

Sherwin D.