Transplanted mature trees get the maximum benefit from a drip irrigation system because water is applied only at the root system and at the right depth. Trees should not be fertilized the first year after transplanting, unless trees are planted in sandy soils and good shoot growth is occurring. During the second and subsequent years after transplanting, fertilization rates will depend upon tree growth and fruit load. These diggers usually have six sharp ened shovels that form a V-shape when all shovels are closed. These shovels make a 5-foot hole when digging a tree to be transplanted.
Shovels are hydraulically operated and water is pumped into the holes as trees are being dug.
This makes it easier to extract the root system and it also keeps the roots moist. After the tree is dug out, it is hauled to the new location where it will be planted in a hole with the same dimensions as the rootball of the tree being trans planted. The plug of soil removed from the new planting site is usually used to fill in the hole where another tree has already been dug from the orchard. Transplanting shock that may affect the trees, from delayed growth to tree death, can be avoided by conducting the operation during winter when trees are dormant. Maintain good soil moisture throughout the whole season, especially the first year.