The Latest Technical Methods and Tutorial for Transplanting Camphor Trees

The camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora) is an important timber and special economic tree species in the subtropical region. It has a majestic form, brightly colored spring leaves, and layered branches and foliage that cast dense shade everywhere. It can absorb smoke and trap dust, conserve water, stabilize soil and prevent sand erosion, and beautify the environment. It is most common in the south and is widely used as a shade tree and street tree, and can also be used to create scenic forests and shelterbelts. Now let us take a look at camphor tree transplanting techniques!

Transplanting Time for Camphor Trees

The suitable transplanting time for camphor trees is one of the key factors for improving the survival rate. Usually the best transplanting time for camphor trees is before sprouting in early to mid-March. Too early or too late is not good: too early makes them prone to freezing, while too late is not suitable for transplanting the whole plant, thus failing to meet the growth requirements of camphor trees.

Camphor Tree Transplanting Techniques

1. Trunk-cutting transplanting method: The trunk-cutting method is usually suitable for large camphor trees with a diameter at breast height of over 10 cm. Because they grow in the same place year after year, their root systems are widely and deeply distributed and their crowns are large, making them difficult to transplant. The trunk-cutting method can control the branching height of the branches, and it is convenient for hoisting and transport. It can also reduce the consumption of water and nutrients by the leaves, which helps improve the survival rate. However, in a short time the tree shape is not graceful and the greening effect is poor. Generally it takes more than 2 years to form a crown.

2. Root-cutting and crown-reduction method: The root-cutting and crown-reduction transplanting method involves cutting the roots and reducing the crown of the large camphor tree to be transplanted while it is still in place. When pruning, maintain the basic framework of the tree shape. The root-cutting range is 5 times the ground diameter of the trunk. Saw off the thick roots, spray 0.1% naphthalene acetic acid solution on the roots, and then cover with soil. After 2 years, transplant as needed. The advantages are a high transplant survival rate, fast tree recovery and growth, and a relatively good greening effect. The disadvantages are a long cycle and relatively high input costs.

3. Crown-retaining transplanting method: The crown-retaining transplanting method basically keeps the original crown for transplanting. It is often used when an immediate landscape effect and specific requirements make crown-retaining transplanting necessary. The technical difficulty of transplanting is relatively high, especially for large trees with a diameter at breast height of over 15 cm, which must use lifting equipment. Before digging, the crown should be heavily pruned to remove weak branches and retain 50% of the leaves, reducing transpiration loss of water and nutrients. The diameter of the soil ball should be more than 8 times the ground diameter of the trunk, and then the soil ball is wrapped and transplanted.

Camphor Tree Transplanting Management

1. Before transplanting, spray 0.1% naphthalene acetic acid solution or rooting powder on the roots to promote new root growth.

2. During the wound repair period after camphor tree transplanting, prevent rot. A mixture of 0.1% naphthalene acetic acid solution and lanolin can be applied to the wounds.

3. Apply decomposed organic fertilizer at the bottom of the transplanting hole, and replace the soil in the hole with loose soil to supplement nutrients.

4. When transplanting, it is better to plant shallowly than deeply. According to the groundwater level, it is advisable to expose 1/2 to 1/4 of the soil ball above the ground surface. If too deep, it is prone to root rot.

5. Use fine soil to make it fit tightly against the soil ball, water heavily, and then cover the ground surface at the root area with film to prevent water evaporation or excessive water from seeping into the roots and causing root rot.

6. After transplanting the camphor tree, wrap the trunk with straw rope, then water it thoroughly until wet, and then wrap the trunk with film. This can keep the trunk moist and prevent trunk water evaporation and sunburn damage to the bark. But be sure to avoid bark damage caused by rotting straw rope.

7. For large trees with crowns, a spray device can be installed at the top of the crown to mist the leaves on sunny days.

8. For large trees transplanted with crowns, considering the excessive water evaporation from the leaves, build a shade shed to reduce light intensity, thereby reducing water evaporation.

9. After the new leaves sprout and become leathery, spray the leaves with 0.1% urea solution to supplement the insufficient nutrients at the roots and also help the growth of new leaves. But be sure not to spray in autumn.

10. After the new branches sprout, carry out shaping and pruning, cut off weak branches, retain thick and strong branches, cultivate new branches, and promptly remove adventitious buds sprouting on the trunk.