The peach (Prunus persica), also known as the "Persian apple" or "fruit of immortality", is one of the most popular summer fruits in Germany. The peach tree originally came from China. Only in the 19th century did it make its way into the German garden landscape. There are now numerous varieties. Because of the sweet taste and juicy pulp, hobby gardeners are increasingly growing peach trees in their own gardens. However, some things are necessary for a good harvest, such as transplanting young peach trees. Here's how to properly transplant a peach tree.

Transplant peach tree

There can be various reasons for transplanting the peach, for example

  • unfavorable location
  • tree takes care of itself
  • Failure to keep distance to property line

Depending on the variety, a peach tree can reach a height of one to eight meters and, with good care, can live up to 40 years. Especially when planting near the neighboring property, a certain distance should always be observed in order to avoid disputes in advance. Of course, the peach also places different requirements on its location. In this respect he is already a little diva among the fruit trees. The decorative fruit tree is not exactly easy to care for and place.

tip: The boundary distances to the neighboring property are regulated in the neighboring law of each federal state. The city and municipal administrations can provide information about these requirements and all associated local statutes.

In addition, however, it is also recommended to replant young peach trees once or twice and to cut the roots associated with this. As a rule, one-year-old, grafted trees are used for replanting. The implementation should take place in the first years of operation. Due to this measure, the growth of the roots is promoted. It is also possible to remove dead, dead roots. In the end, healthy growth of the tree can be stimulated in general and a plentiful harvest can be expected.

Transplant older peach trees

There is a saying that an old tree should not be transplanted. As already noted, a change of location should only be done with young peaches. The larger the tree, the more difficult it is to move it to another location. It is recommended that trees older than four years or with a trunk circumference of more than 30 centimeters directly above the ground are not necessarily subjected to this torture. Here the root system is already very strongly branched. Transplanting this late can result in major root damage or even cutting. The peach tree would no longer grow properly in its new location and would simply die after a while. However, if it is a larger tree, it is advisable to hire a specialist company. However, there is no guarantee here either.

location

Just like with a new planting, the location plays a major role when replanting the peach tree, so that the tree can grow properly. The Prunus persica is already very spoiled by heat. This must not be disregarded when choosing a location. However, there are other factors to consider as well:

  • Full sun, sheltered from the wind necessary
  • Protection from cold east and west winds
  • advisable an orientation to the south
  • ideal planting in front of the warm south wall of a building
  • nutrient-rich, humus-rich soils
  • Avoid lime soil
  • A light loamy soil substrate is ideal
  • avoid waterlogging in any case
  • addition of humus in sandy soils
  • likes a soil pH between 5 and 6 (acidic)
  • loosen heavy soils well
  • best to dig up deeply in the fall before transplanting
  • so frost can get deep into the ground (frost-proof)
  • add sand or humus to loosen it up
  • Plan at least 8 m² to 10 m² of space

Since the root system of the peach is not very competitive, a distance of about 4 meters to other trees or shrubs should be maintained. A rule of thumb says: The distance to other plants should be at least half the growth width of the peach tree. A location that is too dry should also be avoided, as the fruits remain very small here or fall off the tree early.

notice: Heavy and cold soils can encourage the tree's gum flow (gummisis) in the peach. An amber-colored, sticky mass emerges from the bark and branches. A sign that the tree is weakened. After some time, the peach tree finally dies.

time of implementation

Before the peach can be transplanted, various preparations are necessary, which also extend over a longer period of time. Autumn is the best time to transplant trees. Depending on the weather, the measure should take place from October to November. So the peach is still given the necessary winter rest. In spring, nothing stands in the way of a new shoot.
Alternatively, there is also the possibility, if there was no opportunity in autumn, to transplant the peach tree in spring. The best time is then March or April depending on the weather. In any case, the ground must be frost-free. However, there is still a risk of late frosts during these months. These can cause major damage, especially in young trees.

Transplant peach tree: instructions

Transplanting peach trees requires good preparation and a little patience. The roots are very delicate as most grafted varieties don't just grow on the original peach root. Since these plants are neither shallow nor deep-rooted, special care is required to ensure that the roots are not damaged. The root network of Prunus persica develops in all directions and is as wide as the crown. The roots can reach up to one meter into the ground, mainly in older specimens. The following instructions explain the first steps step by step:

  • Prick the earth deeply in a circle around the tree
  • this loosens the root area
  • Radius depends on the tree size
  • should be the same size as the tree crown
  • The best time to cut off the roots is late summer
  • depending on the weather August to September
  • then dig trenches at puncture sites
  • Fill the trench with compost and water regularly

New fine roots form in this area. This process takes about a year. After that, there are enough roots to ensure good growth at the new location. During this period, the peach needs good care:

  • regular watering necessary
  • to do this, fill up the entire area around the tree and ditch with bark mulch
  • this keeps moisture in the root area

Preparation of the new location

In the meantime, the soil at the new location can be thoroughly prepared. The only thing left to do is to dig the planting hole shortly before implementation.

  • Deeply loosen the soil
  • It is best to dig up deep and leave it in the autumn
  • the soil structure becomes finely crumbly and loose due to the frost
  • incorporate compost to improve the soil
  • additional sand for heavy soils

In the following late summer, the peach can finally be planted. The tree should already have shed at least half of its leaves. This has to be done carefully.

  • dig a large planting hole
  • should be twice as wide and deep as the root ball
  • To do this, roughly mark out the outlines with a spade
  • Gradually dig up the soil
  • Dig the planting hole a third deeper than the height of the root ball
  • Thoroughly loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole
  • ensure good water drainage
  • Add fresh potting soil mixed with compost to the planting hole

Now the tree to be transplanted is prepared:

  • Depending on the size of the crown, thin it out a bit
  • remove thick branches
  • Pruning makes transplanting easier
  • thereby also relieving the roots
  • Tie branches together lightly
  • generously loosen soil around tree
  • do not injure roots
  • carefully dig out the root ball
  • remove dead and injured roots
  • Pack the root ball in a jute sack
  • Knot the corners or tie them together lightly with a cord
  • Transport tree to new location
  • If necessary, water the root ball vigorously again
  • then insert into the planting hole
  • but no lower than in the old place
  • The grafting point must always be visible five centimeters above the ground
  • Fill the planting hole with a mixture of compost and removed soil
  • Slightly press on the soil to compact any cavities that have formed
  • form the pouring edge
  • Drive in the pole to protect against strong winds and for good growth on the west side
  • Wind pushes the tree away from the pole and not against it
  • The stake must be the same length as the tree trunk
  • Then do not tie the tree too tightly a hand's breadth below the end of the post
  • use natural ropes for this
  • Sludge the soil well so it can settle

tip: Do not set the root ball too deep, otherwise the tree is more susceptible to diseases. In addition, rapid and healthy growth is prevented.

Care after transplanting

Regular watering is now particularly important so that the peach tree can grow properly. If possible, rainwater should be used for this, as the plants are sensitive to limescale in tap water.

  • water regularly after implementation, especially on hot days
  • but don't flood the earth all the time
  • Water every week as soon as the soil surface has dried
  • After the first year, watering should be reduced somewhat

tip: When using tap water, leave it for one week. The lime then settles at the bottom of the vessel.

It should also be noted that the tree pit is always free of weeds, since the roots of the peach tree are not competitive. For this purpose, coconut mats can be laid out around the trunk at first. Spreading bark mulch can also help here. In addition, young peaches are also quite susceptible to frost if they are not yet properly established. The tree disc should therefore be covered with straw, mulch or brushwood during the winter. A multi-layer garden fleece is suitable for protecting the crown and straw mats are a good solution for the trunk.

tip: Normally, the tree disc of a peach tree should not be planted. However, many hobby gardeners like to use nasturtium (Tropaelum majus) here. This kitchen spice requires few nutrients and water. Planting is completely harmless, since the cress also protects the tree from the dreaded curling disease.

Category:

Garden plants