How to Improve the Survival Rate of Large Tree Transplanting? Detailed Explanation of Methods and Precautions

As the saying goes, “A person moves and thrives; a tree moves and dies.” So what happens when a large apple tree is transplanted? How should it be transplanted? What should be noted? The original planting site for the apple trees was flat land with sandy loam soil, and the planting density was 2 m × 4 m. The new site is mountain land with sandy loam soil, and the planting density is 3 m × 5 m. Two years after transplanting, the trees flowered and bore fruit. After transplanting, all flowers and fruits on the trees were thinned out the following year, and after that came the full production years.

1. Transplanting Techniques

In the autumn one year before transplanting, dig a ring-shaped trench 50-70 cm deep at 50-60 cm around the trunk of the tree to be moved, cut the lateral roots, and then fill in mature soil mixed with fertilizer to promote wound healing and the sprouting of new roots. To reduce the tree recovery period and improve the survival rate, mark the due south side of the tree with ink before transplanting, so that it can be planted in its original orientation during transplanting.

Practice shows that early spring (late March) is the best time for transplanting large trees, as it helps the root system recover and grow. When transplanting, dig large holes, starting 70-80 cm from the trunk, so as to damage as few roots as possible. Large roots should be left long, and there should be many fibrous roots. After the tree is lifted out, cut off diseased and pest-damaged roots, and cut away split and broken roots. Immediately dip the trimmed apple tree roots in pre-mixed nutrient mud slurry (mixed evenly at a ratio of 13 kg loess, 50 kg water, and 1 kg phosphate fertilizer). Then move it to the prepared planting hole. The planting hole should be 1.5 m square. Keep the excavated raw soil and mature soil separate, then mix the mature soil evenly with no less than 50 kg of high-quality farmyard manure and backfill it into the tree hole to 20 cm below ground level, and irrigate while waiting to plant. When planting the tree, keep it upright and plant it in its original orientation, fill the hole with mature soil and high-quality farmyard manure, and lift the tree slightly upward so that the root system spreads out. After planting, immediately level the hole and irrigate once thoroughly, then fill and level the soil after the water settles.

2. Management After Transplanting

After the transplanted tree hole is filled and leveled, cover the ground under the tree with plastic film in a timely manner (no less than 2 m square) to raise temperature and preserve soil moisture, thereby improving the survival rate. In the year of transplanting, remove all flowers at the bud stage to reduce nutrient consumption. During the growing season, apply quick-acting fertilizer together with watering. In the first year after transplanting, foliar fertilizer should be the main method. After that, consistently apply base fertilizer early, supplement fertilizer skillfully, and spray foliar fertilizer in a timely manner (that is, spray 0.4-0.5% monopotassium phosphate or 0.5% urea 3-4 times from June to August). Base fertilizer should be applied in early autumn (around September 20), and supplementary fertilizer should be applied before and after bud break, after flowering, and in autumn. Among the sprouts around pruning and saw cuts, those that can be used should be protected, and those that are useless should be removed in a timely manner. During winter pruning in the same year, cut back more and thin out less. The targets for heading back are branch groups and vegetative branches. Cut back more new shoots and leave plump buds at the pruning cuts. Avoid thinning branches on scaffold limbs. All flower buds should be cut off, and afterward prune according to the standard for a modified spindle shape.

Pay attention to observing transplanted trees, prevent and control pests and diseases early, protect the leaves, and ensure the tree body remains intact and the tree vigor is strong.