Everything you need to know

When is the best time to dig up Japanese maples?

The best time to dig up a Japanese maple is during these days winter months between November and February/March, i.e. the time when the plant has no foliage. Because of the digging root damaged, the maple would no longer have enough strength to supply the shoots with water and nutrients. An exception is an infestation with the Verticillium wilt: Then quick action and possibly also digging up in the summer is required.
Of course, when digging, the soil must absolutely Frost free be.

What do I need to dig up Japanese Maple?

To dig up Japanese maple, only one spade

or alternatively a digging fork as well as a Scissors used as a garden tool to cut back roots and branches.
Additionally you need a good one compost soil both for filling the ditch at the old location and for planting at the new place.

What is the best way to dig up Japanese maple?

Digging up Japanese maples is easy with our guide:

1. the Cut off the root disc all around, about the size of the treetop
2. dig a ditch around this area and take it with you compost soil fill up, mulch and water regularly (this is best done in preparation for digging up in the summer)
3. the treetop Prune back to accommodate lost root volume
4. the root ball also below the maple with the spade loosen up
5. the tree carefully excavate

What is the maximum age of the tree when it is dug up?

The tree should be when digging up a maximum of four to five years be old. By then it is not so established in its place in the garden that it would not tolerate digging up and transplanting. In addition, a younger tree is significantly lighter and smaller in size than an old specimen.
Nevertheless, digging up is a measure that should always be carefully considered, because Japanese maple is a very sensitive plant.

Why does Japanese maple need to be dug up?

There are multiple reasons, from which Japanese maple must be dug up and then transplanted:

1. the tree is from the fungal infection Verticillium wilt attack
2. the maple stands on unsuitable ground
3. the Location in the garden is wrong, for example too sunny
4. the plant is waterlogging exposed

For visual reasons only, because the plant looks better somewhere else in the garden healthy maple trees should not be dug up, as this measure is always stressful connected is.