Best Time to Transplant a Lemon Tree | 9 Easy Tips to Avoid Transplant Shock.

The best time to transplant a lemon tree is in spring when the weather is mild. Smaller, less established trees will transplant more successfully than larger ones with established roots systems. It is important to try to avoid disturbing the roots as much as possible and lift the tree out with soil surrounding the roots.

Avoid transplanting lemon trees in winter as the growth of the roots will slow and they will not establish and stabilize the tree.

It is also important to avoid transplanting lemon trees in summer when the weather is hot. Hot, dry weather can make it difficult for the tree to establish in its new position. It can dry out before its roots have settled in and can die off quickly.

I have successfully transplanted lemon trees in spring and they were able to produce fruit in the summer. This article will explore the best time to transplant a lemon tree and tips to avoid transplant shock.

Transplanting an old lemon tree

Take care when transplanting a lemon tree than is more than 2-3 years old. Larger, older trees will not transplant as successfully as younger trees with less established roto systems. It is more difficult to move the tree without damaging the roots so only move old lemon trees if you have to.

For large established lemon trees consult an arborist or someone who specialized in conserving trees. These large trees will need to be supported in their move and may need machinery to get them out.

Smaller trees will be no problem so follow these tips below for the best result.

How to transplant lemon trees in spring

A young lemon tree will move easier than a large tree. Larger established trees should not be moved unless you are able to bring a large amount of soil with the plant. Smaller plants that can be moved by hand are more likely to be successfully moved.

It is important to only move a lemon tree if you have to. Once lemon trees have been established in the ground for more than 2 years it can be risky to move them.

If you decided that you are moving your tree, here are my top tips to do this successfully.

The best time to move a lemon tree is in spring when the weather is mild, there is no chance of frosts and the cold winter weather has passed. Once the days start to

Avoid moving lemon trees in summer because there is a chance that they can wilt quickly and will not survive.

Here are my top tops to successfully transplant a lemon tree in spring.

1. Prepare the new space first

Lightly dig the soil to clear the weeds and layer some mulch on top of the soil if you are not ready to plant. I like to layer straw or bark mulch over the top of soil to keep the moisture in and prevent the weeds until I am ready to plant.

2. Move mulch back and dig a hole

Move the mulch back if you have layered it on top of the soil and prepare a hole that is at least twice as wide as the plant. Make sure the depth is the same as the original root ball. This will bring the soil level up to the same level that it

3. Gently dig out and lift the tree

When moving a lemon tree it is important to try to keep as much soil around the root ball as possible. This will help the tree to establish quicker and avoid transplant shock.

This can be tricky if the tree is large so take care, get someone to help you and move it slowly.

Use a spade and dig a circle around the root ball. A circle that fits just below the outer drip zone or where the outer leaf area is. Dig down deep enough that you can feel the tree easily lift from the soil.

Move the tree onto a tarp next to the tree. You can then drag the tree over to its new hole without needing to lift the plant up too high. This will also avoid losing too much soil.

4. Adjust the hole to make sure it is deep enough

Have a look at the hole and make sure that it is deep enough to match the top of the original soil level. Dig it deeper or add extra soil if it is too deep. It is easier to measure the root ball once it is out of the ground.

6. Place the tree in the hole and backfill

Once the hole is large enough, gently place into the hole and backfill. You can carry the tree by the trunk and gently move it into the hole. Backfill the tree with the original ground soil. Press it in with your hands to make sure that the soil fully surrounds the roots.

7. Water the tree

After transplanting a tree it is essential to water it in well. This settles the soil around the roots. Use a hose and thoroughly soak the tree. You will be able to see where the soil settles and caves in. This is a good sign that you need to top it up with more soil to make sure there are no air gaps.

8. Surround with mulch and gently water again

Add mulch on top of the soil after watering. I like to gently water the mulch again to keep it in place. You can use straw, hay, sugar cane, lucerne or bark mulch. Add a 2-3 inch layer on top of the soil to keep the moisture in and the weeds away.

9. Add pelleted chicken manure after 4 weeks

After the tree has established in the soil for around 4 weeks, add a handful of pelleted chicken manure. Water the fertilizer in to give the tree a boost of nitrogen and to feed it over a 3 month period.

In mid spring, around 2 months after the tree has been transplanted add trace elements and iron chelates. Instead, you can add a specialized citrus food which will contain the range of nutrients the tree needs.

Best Time to Transplant a Lemon Tree | Summary

The best time to transplant a lemon tree is in spring when the weather is mild. The warm weather will help the roots to establish quickly before the tree is exposed to the hot, summer sun. Take care to avoid disturbing the roots of the lemon tree when you move it and have the new position and hole ready to go before you dig it out.

Happy growing.