How and when to properly transplant chokeberry to a new location

Trees

When replanting chokeberries, a number of factors must be considered to determine the optimal time. Furthermore, it's important to follow the recommended procedures to ensure the tree survives the transplant easily, establishes well, and experiences minimal stress.

When to transplant rowan

There are a number of situations in which a tree must be relocated. Sometimes, if this isn't done in a timely manner, the bush will die or suffer severe damage due to unsuitable growing conditions. Replanting is most often required in the following cases:

High groundwater levels. The roots don't tolerate excess moisture well, air circulation is disrupted, and rotting processes begin. The tree's growth initially slows or even stops, and then dies.
Aronia is planted in a low-lying area. This can pose two problems. First, freezing in winter, as cold air accumulates in such areas. Second, partial flooding in the spring. If the lower part of the trunk is submerged, the root collar will rot, and the plant will be irreparable.
Tree shading. When planted close to buildings on the north or east side, or when surrounded by large trees, rowan trees may not receive enough light. This negatively impacts growth and fruiting. It's best to plant them where they will receive sunlight for most of the day.
Redesigning the site. It's necessary to extend the path and change the location of certain objects. Rather than destroying the plant, it's best to carefully relocate it. If done correctly, it will continue to grow in its new location without any problems.
Planting young trees. Even purchasing a sapling and planting it in your garden should be considered a replanting. The process follows roughly the same rules, but with one additional important step: choosing a high-quality tree. This determines how quickly it adapts and grows.
Propagating chokeberries. The easiest way to do this is by dividing the bush, so either dig up the entire chokeberry plant or extract half of it. There's nothing complicated about it, the main thing is that each part has enough roots so they can absorb water and nutrients from the soil.
Transplanting rowan trees from the forest is a common practice in the fall. If it's possible to dig up a rowan tree in its natural habitat, it's best to do so at the end of the season. This makes it easier to select a good specimen and help it adapt more easily.

Advice!

Even mature trees can be moved; chokeberries tolerate this well at almost any age and almost always take root.

If construction is underway on a property and the placement of plants isn't yet clear, the easiest way is to place them all in one spot. Once the landscaping is complete, planning and replanting can be done—this is much more convenient and significantly reduces the risk of damage.

When to transplant rowan - 2 options, their pros and cons

This is best done in the fall or spring; choosing the right time is crucial to ensure the seedlings take root well. It's also important to follow a number of recommendations for preparing trees and planting them in their new location. Furthermore, it's important to consider regional and climatic factors, as these determine not only the timing but also the conditions for adaptation.

Autumn

If you're replanting during this period, it's important to choose the right time. By the time you replant the chokeberry in the fall, the tree should have lost its leaves, indicating it's dormant. It's also best to avoid frost for about a month after planting it in its new location, allowing the roots to grow and establish a firm grip on the soil. The advantages of this option include:

It's easy to assess the plant's condition. Damage or disease will be immediately visible, and any affected parts can be easily removed.
Whether you're buying a seedling or digging one up in the forest, there's a wide selection to choose from. This is when nurseries reduce their prices, so you can save money.
There's not as much work to do as in the spring. The harvest has been gathered, so there's no need to rush.
There's no need to care for the seedling. Just water it after planting, and it will take root naturally; the soil moisture and temperature are ideal during this period.
In spring, chokeberries will begin growing 2-3 weeks earlier. They don't need to adjust to a new location when the weather warms up; all the processes will begin faster.

There are also some disadvantages that are important to consider to prevent the plant from dying. These aren't specific to all regions, so it's important to research them and determine whether to carry out the work before winter. The main disadvantages of carrying out the work in the fall are:

If cold weather sets in prematurely or temperatures drop significantly, rowan trees may die. This is typical in northern regions.
Sticky snow can break fragile shoots. Another possibility is that branches can become icy; if it gets windy afterward, they can break easily.
Rodents can damage the roots and lower part of the trunk. To protect against them, the area around the trunk is often covered with pine branches and poison is placed underneath.

The timing of replanting chokeberries in the fall varies by region. Consider the local climate to choose the optimal time. The following are general recommendations:

In the Moscow region and central districts, carry out work from mid-September to mid-October. Consider the season: if the autumn is long, shift the dates; if it's early, don't delay and move the plants immediately after the leaves fall.
In the Urals, Siberia, and other places with short summers, transplant in September or early October. It all depends on the climate, which varies greatly even within the same region.
In the south, the ideal period is from early October to early November. There are no special requirements, as winters are mild. The main thing is that the chokeberry is already dormant when replanted in the fall.

Advice!

If the optimal period is missed, it's best to postpone the work until spring. Otherwise, the plant won't survive the frost.

This option is suitable for regions with warm, long autumns, as the seedling requires some time to adapt. If everything is done correctly and on time, the chokeberry almost always takes root, and in the spring it begins growing just as it did in its original location.

Spring

To transplant chokeberries during this period, follow several recommendations and choose the optimal time to do the work, before the buds open. Plants are moved only when the soil has completely thawed and no further frost is expected. Key advantages:

The plot is clear, so it's easy to choose a location and plan the placement of all the plantings. Plus, the water table is clearly visible; planting trees in these areas won't do any good, as the roots will rot.
There's a whole season to adapt and establish proper roots. If winter arrives early, the plant will be ready and unharmed. If the chokeberry doesn't take root, it'll be obvious right away; there's no need to wait for warmer weather.
Fruiting will begin the following year after planting. If the trees are planted in the fall, the harvest is only harvested the following season; adaptation will take longer.

This option also has its drawbacks, which must be taken into account when replanting. If important points are overlooked, the trees will have a poorer rooting performance or even die, despite being easy-to-grow.

The main disadvantages are:

Time the work carefully. The sap flow must not begin, otherwise all the resources will be devoted to bud break and leaf formation, preventing proper rooting. Don't be late; it's best to postpone replanting until autumn to avoid damaging the chokeberry.
There's much more work to do in the spring than in the fall. You have to pay attention to all the trees in the garden, pruning, whitewashing, and arranging. If you have a large garden, finding half a day can be difficult.
The plant needs care after repotting. First, water it once a week when there's no precipitation and the weather is dry and windy. Second, loosen the soil, ensure adequate air exchange, and reduce moisture evaporation.

Regarding regional specifics, the weather should be a guide. Choose a time when the soil has thawed, the weather is consistently warm, and the buds have not yet opened. In the south, planting begins in March, while in the central zone it most often occurs in April. In the northern regions, the optimal period is from late April to mid-May.

Gardeners decide whether to transplant rowan trees in spring or fall. If done correctly and following simple tips, they will thrive in either case. Some prefer to do the work in spring because they can assess the condition of the branches and prune out any diseased or damaged ones.

How to transplant

It's important to remember a simple rule: the younger the bush, the easier it will be to transplant or divide. Therefore, if you plan to relocate the plant, don't delay; this will ensure the chokeberry quickly establishes itself and the damage from transplanting will be minimal. However, if necessary, you can also transplant mature plants; the process will be more difficult due to the large size and weight of the above-ground and root parts.

Find a place

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a location. If planting is done incorrectly, growth will be impaired, and yields will drop significantly. It's best to plan the location in advance to free up space and remove anything that might interfere with your work. These factors include:

Sod-podzolic or loamy soils are preferred. Fertilize periodically on poor soils, but less frequently on rich soils. If acidity is high, slaked lime or dolomite flour should be added. Repeat treatment every 3-4 years. Salt-laden soils are undesirable, as chokeberries grow poorly there.
The groundwater table should be at least a meter deep. The root system is shallow, with most of the shoots located at a depth of no more than half a meter. Therefore, the shrub can be planted even in areas where other crops cannot thrive. However, it's important to avoid standing water in the spring; low-lying areas are best avoided.
If there's a lack of moisture, water the rowan tree, especially if there's no rainfall during the berry-setting and ripening period. Insufficient water causes the fruit to become smaller and their flavor to deteriorate.
The plant should receive sunlight for most of the day. Only slight shade is acceptable. If buildings or nearby trees block the sun, the shoots will stretch upward, thin out, and the fruit will ripen significantly less.
Shrubs can be used to form a hedge or in group plantings. In this case, they should be planted no more than a meter apart to create a continuous fence.
Place at least 3 meters away from other trees and plants. If planted too close, the plants may compete for nutrients and light. It's best to provide ample space, especially since chokeberries will grow considerably over time.

Advice!

It is not advisable to plant it next to cherries, as these crops are affected by the same pests.

You can plant vegetable beds nearby, create flower beds, or sow lawn grass. When choosing a location, consider traffic patterns; it's best to leave a little space away to prevent branches from scratching cars or blocking access.

How to choose a plant for replanting

This applies to situations where you need to choose a suitable plant for replanting or which bush to divide. The correct choice determines how quickly the chokeberry will take root. There's nothing complicated here; just keep a few recommendations in mind:

Choose small plants if possible. The smaller they are, the easier they will adapt. Ideally, plants should be 2-3 years old; they're already established but not yet very large.
When purchasing a seedling or digging it up from a nursery, pay attention to the condition of the above-ground part and root system. The bark should be free of folds, which indicates a lack of moisture in the wood. The roots should be at least 20 cm long, with two or three strong main shoots and small rootlets. There should be no rot or fungal growth.
If the bush is to be divided, select a plant with a large number of shoots; do not replant single shoots. If the above-ground part is severely damaged or there are many dead branches, it is best not to replant the chokeberry.
When transporting, it's best to dig up the roots and soil and pack them in damp burlap. Wrap the exposed roots in a damp cloth to prevent them from drying out. It's best to divide the bush before planting and transport it whole, as this preserves much more moisture.
Carefully inspect the above-ground portion. Select based on the condition of the bark, the number of shoots, and the size. Do this in the spring or fall, when the leaves are gone and the plant can be examined fully. Pay attention to the root collar; there should be no rot or damage.

If you need to propagate chokeberries, it's simple: buy one or more seedlings and plant them in your garden. After 2-3 years, divide the bushes and plant them where needed. This way, you can easily obtain a large amount of planting material over a few years with minimal investment.

How to prepare a planting hole

Ideally, this work should be carried out six months before transplanting the chokeberry to its new location. This will ensure the best results. However, you can prepare the hole 1-2 days in advance; if done correctly, the tree will still thrive. Follow a few simple guidelines:

In the chosen location, dig a hole 50 to 80 cm in diameter and 50 to 60 cm deep. Layer the topsoil and regular sand on either side. If the soil is highly acidic, it's easiest to apply dolomite flour or lime to the bottom in an even layer.
Prepare a nutrient mixture of 2 parts humus or rotted manure and 1 part fertile soil. If the soil has a high clay content, add 1 part peat. Add 300-500 g of wood ash and 150-200 g of superphosphate, and mix well.
If there's a risk of groundwater levels rising significantly in the spring, increase the depth by 20 cm. Add a drainage layer to the bottom, using stones, broken brick, or coarse crushed stone. Spread it evenly over the entire hole.
When preparing the hole six months before work, fill it three-quarters full with the nutrient mixture. Water it to compact it, and compact it well. Top with garden soil, creating a slight elevation, as the surface will settle anyway. A depression may form after a month; add more soil to level it.
If preparing the soil immediately before replanting, fill it about halfway with the nutrient mixture. Water it to compact it, and top it with a 10-15 cm layer of garden soil.

If the root section is large, the hole can be even larger in diameter. It's important that the shoots are straightened and not bent when replanting. Avoid locating the planting site near ditches or artificial ponds, as they draw moisture from the surrounding soil.

How to transplant

Carry out the work only when the plant is in a state of biological dormancy, that is, in the fall or spring. Choose a time when the average daily temperature is around 10 degrees Celsius or slightly below, and there are no frosts at night. Gather all the necessary supplies so as not to be distracted from the process. Here are the step-by-step instructions:

Prepare the tree to be relocated. Typically, a rowan tree is dug around, leaving a ball of soil between 50 cm and a meter in diameter, depending on the size of the bush. The depth of the trench is approximately half a meter. Then, gently loosen the trench, being careful not to disturb the ball of soil.
Place 2-3 crowbars or other levers under the bottom of the tree on one side. Lift the root section, then do the same on the other side, removing any deeper shoots.
Using the same levers, carefully lift the root ball onto a surface covered with thick plastic or other sturdy material. If the chokeberry needs to be transported, wrap the root ball in damp burlap, secure it, and load it into the vehicle, being careful not to damage the above-ground portion. To keep it more compact, it's easiest to gather all the shoots into a bundle and tie it.
When moving a plant within a plot, the easiest way is to tie it down using plastic, a sheet of tin, or a dolly. Be careful not to damage the root ball; it's best to wrap it in plastic for added security.
When preparing the hole before replanting, check the depth; the root collar should be level with the soil or slightly lower, but no more than 2 cm. After this, level the tree; it should be centered and stand upright, not leaning to one side.
If the bush is divided, carefully shake the soil from the roots. Cut so that each fragment has at least three strong shoots and many small roots. Sprinkle all division sites with fine wood ash or treat with a potassium permanganate solution to protect against infection.
In the pre-dug hole, make a hole slightly larger than the root collar. Be sure to check the root collar before planting.
Add 2-3 buckets of water to the hole if the soil is dry. If there's enough moisture, you don't need to do this. Place the tree in the hole and fill the empty space with potting mix. Water it to compact it, and compact it well. Add more soil if needed.
Make a small furrow around the tree trunk to collect moisture. It's best to mulch the surface with peat or compost. This will provide additional nutrition and reduce moisture evaporation from the soil. Renew the mulch about once a month.

Advice!

To ensure that the chokeberry takes root better, it is recommended to maintain its position relative to the cardinal directions.

It's best to repot in the morning or evening, when there's no direct sunlight. On cloudy days, you can repot at any time. If the root zone is exposed, be sure to straighten out all the shoots and distribute them evenly across the entire diameter of the hole before filling it with soil.

Care Features

Transplanting chokeberries to a new location is easy. However, to ensure they thrive and produce good harvests, they need proper care and optimal growing conditions. There are a few simple rules to follow:

Fertilize once per season in the spring. This isn't necessary in the first 2-3 years after planting, as the plant's nutrients are sufficient. After that, it's easiest to use a complex mineral fertilizer, applying it in the spring at the rate indicated on the package. Simply distribute the granules evenly and loosen the soil around the tree trunk.
Water 5-6 times per season. Use 30 to 70 liters of water, depending on the size. If there's enough rainfall in the summer, no further watering is necessary. In a dry spring, be sure to add 3-4 buckets of water during the budding stage to prevent moisture stress during this period. In the fall, it's also worth watering once after the leaves fall.
Loosen the soil around the tree trunk in the fall and spring to a depth of approximately 10 cm. Mulch the surface with mown grass, dried weeds from the garden, or wood shavings. Leave a small area around the shoots free of debris, otherwise the mulch will cause them to rot.
At the beginning and end of the season, carry out preventative treatments against fungal diseases. Use a solution of Bordeaux mixture or copper sulfate. Prepare strictly according to the instructions, spraying not only the above-ground parts but also the surrounding soil to kill all pathogenic spores.
If pests or disease outbreaks are detected during the summer, purchase a suitable treatment and treat the chokeberry immediately. Inspect the chokeberry at least twice a month to detect and address the problem promptly.
Carry out pruning Every year. In the spring, remove all damaged and frost-damaged shoots, as well as anything that's growing abnormally or crowding the crown. In the fall, remove basal suckers and young shoots, which grow in large numbers during the season. Use pruning shears or a special compact saw, cutting carefully to avoid stripping the bark.
Remove fallen leaves every fall and burn them. They often harbor pest larvae and fungal spores.
Whitewash the tree to a height of 1 meter every spring and fall. This will not only kill pests and egg-laying eggs, which are most often found near the ground, but also protect the bark from burns. In the spring, when the sun is bright and the sap has not yet begun to flow, chokeberries are often damaged. In winter, however, a whitewashed surface is much less likely to be damaged by frost cracks.

Advice!

When pruning, treat all cuts and scraps with a copper sulfate solution or seal them with garden pitch. This will help them dry faster and eliminate the risk of infection.

Sometimes, in the first year after planting, it's necessary to install a small fence to provide support for the shoots and prevent them from leaning too much. Another option is to protect them from pets; in this case, a simple mesh structure is the easiest way to restrict access.

Preparing for winter

In regions with moderately cold winters, only young plants need protection for the first 1-2 years after transplanting. If temperatures drop below -30°C (-22°F), even mature plants should be protected. This work should be carried out after the leaves have fallen. Remove them and follow the instructions:

Loosen the soil around the tree trunk. Cover the surface with mulch to protect the root zone from freezing. It's best to use pine branches or even collected needles from a pine forest. They not only retain heat well but also repel rodents. Apply a layer 10 to 15 cm thick, with a circle at least half a meter wide on all sides.
Tie the young plants into a bundle, but do not make it too tight to avoid damaging the branches. Wrap in several layers of burlap or agrotextile and secure.
If winter temperatures are low, provide additional insulation. To do this, carefully bend the chokeberry down to the ground, using steel arches or a wooden frame, but not too low. Fill the space with pine branches, and cover the top with roofing felt. Remove the chokeberry immediately after the weather warms up.