Like many living things, trees are delicate creatures that respond to sudden changes in their environment. Therefore, if you’re planning to move one of these majestic plants, it’s important to realize the danger of a transplantation. According to the tree specialists at TrimCo Tree Experts, serving Alabama’s Wiregrass area, a dramatic change in a tree’s surroundings can prevent it from thriving in a new location. To avoid this setback, they offer the following tips.

A Tree Specialist’s Top 3 Tips for Preventing Transplant Shock

1. Prepare the New Location

When a tree is removed from its original location, it loses a significant amount of its root ball—the underground hub that collects nutrients from rain, soil, and sunlight. Therefore, to soften the shock of this invasive process, you’ll need to make a comfortable new home for the tree to survive in. Start by digging a hole that is twice as wide as the current root ball and as deep as the previous site.

2. Avoid Exposure to the Elements

Much like a baby recently taken out of the womb, a transplanted tree must be exposed to natural elements slowly so it has time to adjust. Therefore, get the plant back into the soil as soon as possible. If you can’t, shield the root ball by covering it in damp paper, and keep the tree out of direct sunlight.

3. Nurture the New Site

Once your tree is safe, sound, and back in the ground, you’ll need to acquaint its roots with the new environment. Encourage root growth by fertilizing the soil around the tree with bonemeal, and stay away from fertilizers that boost leaf growth—these will only add to the strain of the acclimation. Also, moisten the soil around the tree regularly, but keep it from becoming too wet all at once. As a general rule of thumb, you should only find moisture an inch below the surface of the soil.

If you’re worried about a recently transplanted tree on your property, contact the arborists at TrimCo Tree Experts for help. Located in Midland City, AL, and serving Dale, Houston, Henry, and Barber counties, these tree specialists offer everything from stump grinding to tree pruning, and they’ll put your plant’s needs first. For more information on their capabilities, call (334) 791-2087 or visit the website.