Transplant Purple Sand Cherry Shoot

Question

I have a healthy shoot coming up about 8′ away from the base of my Purple Sand Cherry tree. I would like to transplant it but need instructions on how & when to do that. I am able to wait for the best time. I’ve also heard that I need to cut the root from the shoot to the main tree and leave it in the ground in order for it to develop its own root system. Advice needed. Thanks Jane

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Answer 1

This will be done in early fall. As long as temperatures are manageable. All you have to do is dig around it making sure to get plenty of roots. If you accidentally cut too close you will cut off too many roots for it to be able to grow its own in time. Just transplant where the soil level is up to where it was before Keep the soil slightly moist until it is established. Wet or dry soil will kill it before it establishes. It needs to be somewhere in the middle.

It is worth keeping in mind that it is likely grafted. Anything below the graft point will not be like the top. Anything that comes from the roots is likely a host species like Prunus cerasifera. The rootstock is usually hardier than the top of the graft, but doesn't usually resemble the top of the tree at maturity.