redbud transplant, late May, zone 6

[Ellen S.]

Hello all,

We are about to move and would like to take our wedding present Eastern Redbud with us. Its about 12 ft tall and was planted 3 yrs ago. The person who gave it to us, who is licensed as an arborist, thinks it was still in the cage when we all planted it, though we can't remember. It is too late to transplant it now? If its risky, is there anything we can do to increase the odds of its survival? We live in Providence, Rhode Island. The travel distance between its current location and the new one is only a few miles.

One thing I should note is that the tree suffered damage last fall when a tree service took down a large maple in the yard next door and stupidly piled the huge branches on top of our tiny redbud (we weren't home to intervene). We lost many upper branches on one side, and there is a fissure in the upper trunk. We didn't expect it to survive the winter, but it flowered grandly and leafed out just fine this Spring. Is there any way we can determined if it has been weakened to the point where it wouldn't survive a summer transplant?

Thanks so much for your help. The tree is a bit sentimental to us. I can sent a picture if it would be helpful.

Ellen and Bob

 

[Stumper]

If it is still in the "cage" it shouldn't be-get that basket off when you dig it up.-At this stage it may be difficult to remove entirely but cut the wires that you can without damaging too many roots. It is certainly movable but-If it weren't for the sentimental value it probably would not be worth moving considering the work involved, the damage the tree has received and the ease of buying a new tree for your new location. :angel:

 

[treeseer]

12' tall? those treeloppers must have had one heck of a pile there.

Make a deal with the new owners to come back in the fall. Odds very poor now.

 

[Ellen S.]

Thanks all. It would feel worse to kill the tree than leave it. I will advise new owners about the cage (they are the kind of people who would care.) Thanks for recommendation of Forest Pansy.

Best, Ellen