Transplanting A Mulberry Tree

Transplanting A Mulberry Tree

Transplanting a Mulberry Tree Spring 2019 — I found a mulberry tree growing on a heavily shaded slope and decided to move it to a sunnier spot. I first dug around and under the tree, being careful to cut the roots rather than pull or otherwise damage them. — At the transplant site, I dug a hole wider than the root ball, but no deeper. Sloping the sides of the new hole makes it easier for the roots to spread out, as they will be growing into soil that has been loosened instead of hitting a hard wall of soil (this is especially true if you are planting into a hard, clay filled soil). — After setting the tree in, I arranged it so that the top of the root ball was no higher or lower than the level of the ground that I was planting into. I then filled the planting hole with dirt, trying to minimize air gaps underneath. — After the tree was planted in, I took the leftover dirt from the planting location and used it to fill in the spot that I dug the tree out of. — A wood thrush monitored my progress and provided a lovely soundtrack. I think that it was laying claim to the first batch of mulberries this tree will produce. — I will be sure to keep the tree well-watered through the hot summer months, since much of the root system is severed from the tree during transplanting. — Digging a large root ball ensures as many roots as possible are brought along, but there are limits to what you can carry through the hills and gullies of the woods–a little dirt don’t hurt, but it sure is heavy! — I’m looking forward to seeing this mulberry tree thrive and produce berries for the benefit of us humans as well as all the woodland creatures.