How to Transplant Laceleaf Maple Trees in the Fall

Fall is an ideal time to transplant a laceleaf maple, also known as threadleaf maple (Acer palmatum dissectum). The cooler temperatures and less intense sun help the plant recover from transplant shock. The delicate foliage dries out easily, so take care to protect the roots from sun or wind exposure. You can transplant it before or after leaf drop, but transplanting after leaf drop minimizes plant stress. In either case, next spring your laceleaf maple will leaf out and be as elegant as always.

Shovel
Compost
Wheelbarrow or tarp
Superphosphate
Mulch

Instructions

- 1
  Water the plant and the new planting area the day before the transplant if the soil is dry. This will provide extra insurance for a low stress transplant. Make sure the soil is moist -- but not waterlogged -- at least 10 inches deep. Test a sample of soil from just outside the root zone to assess the moisture level.
- 2
  
  A good shovel can cut through grass easily if the soil is slightly moist.
  
  Dig a hole at the new planting location by removing soil to accommodate twice the estimated size of the root ball's width and no deeper than 12 inches. Set the soil aside on a tarp or wheelbarrow to be used for backfill. Discard any grass or rocks.
- 3
  Amend the backfill soil with 25 to 50 percent compost, depending on the quality of the soil that you removed. For average quality soil, 25 percent compost is sufficient. For sandy, infertile soil, 50 percent compost would be beneficial. Laceleaf maples like rich, organic, well-drained soil. Mix in two to three handfuls of superphosphate to help stimulate root development.
- 4
  Dig a circle around the laceleaf maple with a sharp shovel, going down at least the depth of the shovel head at an angle toward the center. Maple roots are shallow and are primarily contained in the top 12 inches of soil. The actual depth and diameter depends on how mature the tree is and how large a root ball you can safely move to the new location. The more roots you can move, the more successful the transplant will be. Dig underneath and around the root ball to cut through the roots necessary to free the root ball.
- 5
  Shake off or scrape with your hands loose soil around the perimeter to reduce the weight of the root ball. Place the tree in a wheelbarrow and bring it to the new location.
- 6
  Place the tree in the prepared hole and check the depth. The top of the root ball should be the same as the top of the surrounding grade. Adjust the soil level in the hole as necessary. If you need to add soil to the bottom of the hole, make sure it is firm and will not settle and affect the grade. Planting slightly raised is preferable to planting too deeply.
- 7
  Add the amended backfill soil to the hole, firming lightly with your foot as you go. When the hole is half filled with soil, water the soil and allow it to drain. Continue backfilling the soil until it meets the grade of the surrounding soil.
- 8
  Water again and mulch with 2 to 3 inches of organic material, such as bark mulch. Make sure the water does not run off the root zone. Create a soil berm a few inches high and wide around the outer area of the tree to catch the water if necessary. Keep the soil area moist until the ground has frozen for winter.
- 9
  Check for winter dieback of twigs and branches the next spring and trim as needed.

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