Transplant a pine tree from the forest Planting it on a plot is very easy if you stick to the optimal timing and then follow basic care rules. The tree is not very fussy and quickly takes root in summer cottages and surrounding areas.
When is the best time to plant a pine tree?
One of the most attractive conifers is the pine. Homeowners transplant spruce and pine trees not only for their appearance but also for the unique aroma of their needles. Conifers grow very well in forests. They are considered easy-to-grow, but transplanting them to a private property can be challenging. These trees don't always thrive, and they often suffer from illnesses. Therefore, it's crucial to follow all transplanting guidelines to ensure the pine tree adapts easily and thrives.
Conifers can be planted in early spring or fall. Spring transplanting is preferable. Depending on the region, this can be scheduled for March or April. When the snow has melted and the soil warms up to 5°C, it's perfectly acceptable to plant conifers. This is also possible in May, but trees have a harder time establishing themselves when the air temperature rises to 15°C or higher.
It's best to plant pine trees in the fall in September or the first half of October, at least 3-4 weeks before the first frost. This will give the seedling time to adapt to the completely new conditions and establish itself. It's best to transplant pine trees from any nursery in the fall. If you want to bring a tree from the forest, it's best to wait until spring.
How to choose a seedling
The easiest way to buy a pine tree is from a reputable store. Nurseries offer seedlings with closed and well-developed root systems. They are easy to transport and root easily. All that's left to do is carefully remove the pine tree from its container and place it in a pre-prepared hole. The nursery can also provide information about the variety of the seedling and recommendations for its subsequent care.
If purchasing a tree isn't possible, you can dig one up yourself from the edge of the forest. When choosing saplings, pay attention to their age and height. Pine trees 2-3 years old and 50-60 cm tall are suitable for transplanting. Replanting a large pine tree is problematic; there's a high chance it won't survive. The pine's appearance is also important. It should be healthy, with well-developed roots. If the needles are yellowed, withered, or there's damage to the trunk, it's best to discard the tree.
How to properly dig up a coniferous seedling for transplanting to a summer cottage
Properly digging up a tree is half the battle. It's crucial not to damage the roots. Pine trees have very long roots. Their width is roughly equal to the spread of the lower branches, and their length is comparable to the height of the sapling. This is the key factor to consider.
If the soil is dry, water the tree before digging. A bucket of water will suffice. First, dig around the pine tree in a circle, approximately the width of the lower branches. Then, slowly and very carefully dig deep around the perimeter. A sturdy spade is needed for this.
Once you've dug deep enough, find the taproot (the central root) and gently tug on it, being careful not to damage it. Then, lift the pine tree, along with the large root ball, and carefully transfer it to burlap or thick agrofibre, or better yet, a canvas bag.
Then tie the bag tightly, moisten the material, and place it in a transport container. A basin or even a cardboard box from a household appliance can be used as a convenient container. The main thing is that it's the right size. The roots shouldn't be compressed during transport.
The main challenge is digging up the tree without exposing its roots. The roots of these trees harbor a mycorrhiza fungus. Without it, the conifer cannot thrive. If the roots are left exposed for 10 minutes or more, the fungus will die, and the pine will not establish itself in its new location. To reduce the risk, immediately wrap the exposed root areas in a damp cloth and keep it moist throughout transport.
Choosing a landing site
Pine grows well in sandy loam and sandy soils. Avoid planting it in clayey, acidic soil. If the soil on your site is unsuitable, prepare it first: add sand and, if necessary, deacidify it with lime.
Pine trees are best planted in a sunny location. However, after transplanting, they will need some shade for the first few days. They thrive on hillsides and near fruit trees. It's best to plant conifers around the perimeter of the property. Pines have a strong root system. Over time, such a tree can cause damage to garden paths or even the foundation. Furthermore, it's unsafe. Tall trees can be struck by lightning, and conifers are also highly flammable, posing an additional hazard to nearby homes.
Transfer rules
It's best to prepare the planting hole in advance. To do this, dig up the soil and fill it with a nutrient-rich mixture consisting of turf, humus, and sand in a 1:1:1 ratio. Be sure to add 2 cups of wood ash and 2 tablespoons of superphosphate. If planting in spring, you can add a nitrogen-containing complex fertilizer. In the fall, only superphosphate is needed, as nitrogen can quickly stimulate shoot growth, which is unnecessary.
The hole should be large enough to accommodate the roots and the soil ball. Water the hole thoroughly before replanting, then place the seedling in it without burying it too deeply. Then fill with soil and compact it firmly. The root collar should be 2 cm above ground level. Water the seedling directly at the root. It's best to pour water into a funnel formed around the trunk.
After transplanting, the soil around the pine tree should be mulched with bark, hay, mown grass, or pine needles. It's best to dig stakes around the perimeter or create a fence. This is especially important if the sapling is small. You can secure the trunk upright by tying it to the stakes. However, the ropes will need to be loosened periodically to prevent them from digging into the bark.
When transplanting a pine tree from the forest, it's important to orient it correctly. The tree will thrive if positioned in its new location in the same way it was in the forest.
Tree care
Proper pine tree care is especially important immediately after transplantation and throughout the following year. During this time, the tree will fully establish itself and become stronger. Subsequently, care can be reduced to a minimum, as pine trees don't require as much attention as fruit trees.
Watering mode
After replanting, a young pine tree should be watered at least once a week for a month. This should be based on weather conditions. During dry periods, the tree should be watered twice a week, while during rainy periods, watering can be skipped. The soil around the tree should be moist. The day after watering, it is recommended to lightly loosen the soil to ensure oxygen reaches the roots.
Mulching reduces moisture evaporation, allowing you to reduce watering frequency to once a week, even in dry weather. During the first year after replanting, it's recommended to water the tree regularly, twice a month, and then only during severe drought. When replanting in the fall, you can water the soil thoroughly once, and then simply monitor the soil's condition. It's best to stop watering in November anyway.
Fertilization
To speed up growth and promote healthy development, you'll need to apply fertilizer to the tree's trunk annually. This should be done first when replanting, and then every spring and fall. After five years, it's acceptable to fertilize the tree once a year (preferably in the fall).
You can use special fertilizers for conifers or general-purpose mineral fertilizers. Complexes like "Osenniy" are suitable for pre-winter feeding of trees. In spring, use any mineral supplements containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Chemical fertilizers can also be used separately, at a rate of 40 g of superphosphate and 20 g of potassium salt per young pine tree. After five years, the dosage can be doubled. Granular fertilizer is scattered over the surface of the tree trunk and watered in, or the fertilizer is dissolved in a bucket.
You can also use "green" fertilizers. They are natural and completely safe. Watering a young pine tree with an herbal infusion is effective. A tree transplanted in the spring can be watered with it in June and July. Pest and disease control is often unnecessary. If insect infestation occurs, treat the pine tree with an insecticide, but not during the period when long "cones" appear.
Pine tree pruning
Crown shaping is especially important for ornamental varieties. Pruning is performed one year after repotting. It's essential to prune the tops of the branches to encourage wider growth. Remove old branches, as well as those that appear unhealthy and are crowding the crown.
Once the tree has grown a little, you can use formative pruning, trimming the branches to create a spherical crown. There are several pruning techniques that can be used to shape the pine into very unusual shapes. It's important not to remove more than a third of the branches at a time. Use only well-sharpened tools. There's no need to treat the cut areas with garden pitch; these areas will be sealed with resin.
Preparing for winter
Pine is considered a frost-hardy tree. It tolerates frosts well. However, young trees (up to 5 years old) are still vulnerable. Frosts are especially dangerous for trees transplanted in the fall. If the pine doesn't have time to take root and adapt, it will die.
To reduce all risks, it's essential to protect the sapling for the winter. The area around the tree trunk should be mulched with spruce or pine branches. These will trap snow, providing insulation for the root system. The trunk can be wrapped in spunbond or burlap. However, this method has its drawbacks. These materials become damp in winter, and in freezing temperatures, they can freeze. Therefore, it's best to build a frame around the small sapling and stretch insulating material over it. This will protect the pine tree not only from the cold but also from snow.
Common mistakes
When transplanting a pine tree, it's important to avoid any serious mistakes to ensure your efforts aren't wasted. Common and dangerous mistakes include:
- incorrect choice of tree (over 5 years old, sick);
- violation of deadlines (transfer of a tree to a site in late autumn or summer);
- Damage to roots during transplantation (cutting off the central root is especially dangerous. Therefore, it is very important to pull it out of the soil with your hands rather than chop it);
- planting in clayey, acidic soil;
- lack of proper watering immediately after transplanting.
A pine tree will thrive if everything is done correctly, and will delight you with its wonderful appearance and unique aroma. After transplanting, the tree may not grow for a couple of years. This is normal for pine trees, especially some species. It's important that the tree appears healthy and that the needles don't turn yellow. A healthy pine tree will definitely grow sooner or later.
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