Can I Replant /relocate My Liquidamber Tree

Question

I planted a young liquidamber tree in my back garden about 2 years ago. It isn’t really thriving – very few leaves and the branches are really short. I wonder if I didn’t dig a big enough planting hole when I put it in, there is quite a lot of building rubble under my garden and I wonder if this may be hampering the root growth etc. Should I dig the tree out and make a bigger planting hole, removing any of the stones / bricks underneath which may be hampering the trees roots or shall I just leave the tree and see what happens?

Answer 1

It could be that the size of the hole isn’t accommodating to the size of the root mass. Digging the tree up may cause more shock than it is worth, however.

I would recommend testing the soil around the tree to make sure that the nutrient levels and pH are ideal. This will be the first step. Once you figure out what, or if the soil needs anything you can begin to correct it.

If this does not prove successful, then you can add worms and mulch! They are wonderful at aerating soil, and they will help feed the tree as it grows.

Here are some articles that will help:

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/testing-soil.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/soil-ph-plants.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/the-importance-of-soil-for-an-organic-garden.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/sweetgum/sweetgum-tree-info.htm