Transplant a volunteer? - Ask Extension
This small conifer, about 3', is growing next to my mature White Pine. Can I transplant the volunteer conifer without damaging the roots of both tre...
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Transplant a volunteer? #876837
Asked July 11, 2024, 2:13 PM EDT
This small conifer, about 3', is growing next to my mature White Pine. Can I transplant the volunteer conifer without damaging the roots of both trees?
Livingston County Michigan
Expert Response
Hi Gerald,
It may be possible to dig up the volunteer without damaging the roots of either tree with great patience and care. The best thing to do would be to sit next to the volunteer, and gently try to work the roots free; it may be best to thoroughly water the area first to loosen up the soil.
This may take some time, and even if some smaller roots are damaged on the white pine it will survive due to its established nature.
I would not recommend use of a shovel for this project, rather a small trowel and possibly a longer tool of some kind that can loosen up the roots from below.
In the end, I would rather damage some roots of the volunteer than the white pine as the volunteer is young, and can likely re-establish root material.
If you do choose to dig up the volunteer, keep it well watered once it is replanted to maintain it's vigor.
Good luck - and have fun working in the soil with your trees!!
Thank you,
-Julie
It may be possible to dig up the volunteer without damaging the roots of either tree with great patience and care. The best thing to do would be to sit next to the volunteer, and gently try to work the roots free; it may be best to thoroughly water the area first to loosen up the soil.
This may take some time, and even if some smaller roots are damaged on the white pine it will survive due to its established nature.
I would not recommend use of a shovel for this project, rather a small trowel and possibly a longer tool of some kind that can loosen up the roots from below.
In the end, I would rather damage some roots of the volunteer than the white pine as the volunteer is young, and can likely re-establish root material.
If you do choose to dig up the volunteer, keep it well watered once it is replanted to maintain it's vigor.
Good luck - and have fun working in the soil with your trees!!
Thank you,
-Julie
Thanks for the advice. Have a great day.