Can a Cherry Tree Be Moved?

If you’re considering moving a cherry tree, it’s important to know about the specifics of how transplanting might affect its growth.

Traditionally, the best time to move a cherry tree is during dormancy in early spring. To avoid transplant shock, water your new planting site heavily before and after you move your tree.

The one thing that you cannot do is transplant a cherry tree during the first year of its life. If you do, the branches actually grow roots at their base, so trees won’t have the same root system as they would if planted in their natural environment. Instead, new roots will grow from where they are planted.

If it seems that your tree is still dormant on removal day, don’t despair. You can continue watering it until root growth begins again on or near its original location.

After a cherry tree is planted, the roots aren’t exposed to air for more than a month, so you can’t fertilize right away. And it takes about six months to a year before the roots develop enough to support new growth.

As soon as possible after transplanting, mulch around your new tree. This promotes root growth and keeps the soil moist in dry weather.

During the first year, water your new tree regularly. This ensures that it remains healthy while it establishes itself in its new home. Over time, you might start to see new growth around the base of the original branches. This is not abnormal—it’s only a sign that the new roots are developing well.

The roots of cherry trees are difficult to transplant because they’re difficult to get rid of once they’ve had a chance to establish themselves in their new surroundings.

When can I move a cherry tree?

The best time to move a cherry tree is during dormancy in early spring. The proper way to transplant a cherry tree is by watering the new planting site before and after you move your tree. The one thing that you cannot do is transplant a cherry tree during the first year of its life because it will make branches grow roots at their base, not from where they are planted.

How big of a cherry tree can you transplant?

The size of a cherry tree you can transplant is dependent on the size of their root system. The biggest cherry tree that can be transplanted is best transplanted during early spring, when the shrub’s roots aren’t exposed to air for more than a month, making it difficult for them to develop new growth.