Transplanting a peach tree: timing & instructions

The peach (Prunus persica), also known as the “Persian apple” or the “fruit of immortality”, is one of the most popular summer fruits in this country. The peach tree originally comes from China. Only in the 19th In the 19th century it found its way into the German garden landscape. There are now numerous varieties. Because of the sweet taste and juicy flesh, hobby gardeners are increasingly growing a peach tree in their own garden. However, some things are necessary for a good harvest, such as moving young peach trees. Here's how to properly transplant a peach tree.

Transplant peach tree

There can be several reasons for transplanting the peach, for example

• unfavorable location
• Baum cares
• Failure to keep the distance to the property line

Depending on the variety, a peach tree can reach a height of one to eight meters and, with good care, can live up to 40 years. Particularly when planting near the neighboring property, a certain distance should always be observed in order to avoid disputes in advance. Of course, the peach also places different conditions on its location. At this point he is already a little diva under the fruit trees. The decorative fruit tree is not exactly easy to care for and its location.

tip: The Limit distances to the neighboring property are regulated in the neighboring law of each federal state. Information about these requirements and all associated local statutes can be provided by the city and municipal administrations.

In addition, one or two transplantations are also required young peach trees and a root cut is recommended. As a rule, annual, grafted trees are used for new planting. The implementation should take place in the first few years. Because of this measure, the growth of the roots is promoted. It is also possible to remove dead roots. In the end, healthy growth of the tree can generally be stimulated and a plentiful harvest can be expected.

Transplant older peach trees

There is a saying that an old tree should no longer be transplanted. As already noted, a change of location should only be made with young peaches. The larger the tree, the more difficult it is to move it to another location. It is recommended that trees with an age of four years or more or with a trunk circumference of 30 centimeters or more directly above the ground are no longer necessarily subjected to this torture. Here the root system is already very branched. Such late repositioning can result in major root injuries or even cuts. The peach tree would no longer grow properly in its new location and would simply perish after a while. However, if it is a larger tree, it is advisable to hire a specialist company. However, there is no guarantee here either.

Location

Just as with a new planting, the location also plays a major role when transplanting the peach tree so that the tree can grow properly. The Prunus persica is already spoiled by warmth. This must not be ignored when choosing a location. However, there are also other factors to consider:

• Full sun, sheltered place necessary
• Protection from cold east and west winds
• an orientation to the south is advisable
• ideal planting in front of a warm south wall of a building
• nutrient-rich, humus-rich soils
• Avoid limestone soils
• A light clay soil substrate is ideal
• prevent waterlogging in any case
• Add humus in sandy soils
• loves a soil pH value between 5 and 6 (acidic)
• loosen heavy soils well
• it is best to dig deeply in autumn before transplanting
• so frost can get deep into the ground (frost bake)
• add sand or humus to loosen it up
• Plan at least 8 m² to 10 m² of space

Since the peach roots are not very competitive, a distance of about 4 meters to other trees or shrubs should be maintained. A rule of thumb says: The distance to other plants should be at least half the width of the peach tree. A location that is too dry should also be avoided, as the fruits only stay very small here or fall from the tree early.

Note: Heavy and cold soils can promote the rubber flow (rubber dose) of the tree in peaches. An amber-colored, sticky mass emerges from the bark and branches. A sign that the tree is weakened. After a while, the peach tree will eventually die.

Time of implementation

Before the peach can be replanted, various preparations are necessary, which also take a longer period of time. The best time to transplant the tree is in autumn. Depending on the weather, the measure should take place from October to November. So the peach is still given the necessary winter rest. In spring nothing stands in the way of a new shoot.
Alternatively, there is also the possibility, if there was no opportunity in autumn, to move the peach tree in spring. The best time is then March or April depending on the weather. In any case, the floor must be frost-free. However, there is still the risk of late frosts during these months. These can cause great damage, especially in young trees.

Transplanting a peach tree: instructions

Moving peach trees requires good preparation and a little patience. The roots are very sensitive, as most of the grafted varieties do not just grow on the original peach root. Since these plants are neither shallow nor deep-rooted, special care is required so that the roots are not damaged. The root network of the Prunus persica develops on all sides and is just as wide as the crown. The roots can protrude up to a meter into the depth of the earth, mainly in older specimens. The first steps are explained step by step in the following instructions:

• Pierce the earth in a circle around the tree
• in the process, the root area is loosened
• The radius depends on the size of the tree
• should be the same size as the tree top
• the best time to cut off the roots is late summer
• August to September depending on the weather
• then dig trenches at puncture sites
• Fill the trench with compost and water regularly

New fine roots form in this area. This process takes about a year. Then there will be enough roots to ensure good growth at the new location. During this period, the peach needs good care:

• regular watering necessary
• to do this, fill up the entire area around the tree and ditch with bark mulch
• this keeps moisture in the root area

Preparation of the new location

In the meantime, the soil at the new location can be thoroughly prepared. The planting hole then only has to be dug shortly before implementation.

• Loosen the soil deeply
• it is best to dig deeply in autumn and leave it where it is
• The frost bake makes the soil structure finely crumbly and loose
• Incorporate compost to improve the soil
• additional sand for heavy soils

In the following late summer, the peach can finally be turned over. The tree should have shed at least half of the leaves. Care must be taken when doing this.

• Dig a large planting hole
• should be twice as wide and deep as the root ball
• To do this, roughly mark out the outline with a spade
• Gradually excavate the earth
• Dig the planting hole a third deeper than the height of the root ball
• Thoroughly loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole
• pay attention to good drainage
• Put fresh potting soil mixed with compost into the planting hole

Now the tree to be transplanted is prepared:

• Depending on the size of the crown, thin it out a little
• remove thick branches
• Pruning makes transplanting easier
• thereby also relieving the roots
• Lightly tie the branches together
• Loosen the earth around the tree generously
• do not damage the roots
• carefully dig out the root ball
• remove dead and injured roots
• Pack the root ball in a jute sack
• Knot the corners or tie them together with a cord
• Transport the tree to the new location
• if necessary, water the root ball again vigorously
• then insert into the planting hole
• but not deeper than at the old place
• The finishing point must always be visible five centimeters above the ground
• Fill the planting hole with a mixture of compost and removed soil
• Lightly step on earth to compact the cavities that have arisen
• Shape the pouring edge
• Drive in the stake on the west side to protect against strong winds and for good growth
• The wind pushes the tree away from the post and not against it
• The post must be as long as the tree trunk
• Then do not tie the tree too tightly a hand's breadth below the end of the post
• use natural ropes for this
• Put the earth in a well so it can sit down

tip: Do not set the root ball too deep, otherwise the tree is more susceptible to diseases. In addition, rapid and healthy growth is prevented.

Care after transplanting

Regular watering is particularly important so that the peach tree can grow properly. If possible, rainwater should be used for this, as the plants are sensitive to lime in tap water.

• Water regularly after implementation, especially on hot days
• but not constantly flooding the earth
• Water every week as soon as the surface of the earth is dry
• After the first year of standing, limit the watering a little

tip: If using tap water, let it stand for a week. The lime then settles on the bottom of the vessel.

It should also be noted that the tree grate is always weed-free, as the roots of the peach tree are not competitive. For this purpose, coconut mats can be laid out around the trunk at the beginning. This can also be remedied by spreading bark mulch. In addition, young peaches are also quite susceptible to frosts if they have not yet grown properly. The tree grate should therefore be covered with straw, mulch or brushwood during the winter. A multi-layered garden fleece is suitable for protecting the crown and straw mats are a good solution for the trunk.

tip: Normally the tree slice of a peach tree should not be planted. However, many hobby gardeners like to use nasturtiums (Tropaelum majus) here. This kitchen spice needs only a few nutrients and water. Planting is completely safe, as the cress also protects the tree from the dreaded curl disease.