Q.I Have Some 30 Y/o Tulips That Have ‘grown Up’ With (and Into) A Maple Tree. How And When To Best Separate It From The Tree?
Planted by my mom 30 or more years ago when the maple tree was approx 6 inches in diameter. When planted they were a foot or more from the base of the tree. I should have moved them years ago…(sorry, Mom…)
A sensitive approach must be used during the separation process of 30-year-old tulips evolved into a maple tree because this operation requires protection for bulbs and tree roots. The latening of summer and earliest fall provide optimal conditions to conduct this task when all tulip leaves have withered down. The storage of adequate energy by bulbs during this period supports them for the following growing season.
A small hand trowel and gentle soil excavating around the tulips should be your first step while watching out for tree root damage. The tulip bulbs exist at a depth of several inches below the surface therefore handle them carefully when extracting them yet keep the large maple roots undamaged. Do not break the tight connection between bulbs and tree roots if they are found intertwined with each other. To prevent damaging the bulbs it is advised to wiggle them loose or to delicately brush away excess soil.
Check for damage and signs of rotting on the separated bulbs. Place healthy tulip bulbs directly into a well-draining sunny position situated at a safe distance from the maple tree's feeding and water territory. Surface application of compost on fresh planting areas enhances the quality of the substrate.
