Moving a young Apple tree

Morning all

First post on GC!

My neighbour is getting rid of a young apple tree and I’ve said we’d like to take it. It needs to go today and obviously it is currently in blossom. What are the chances it will survive and thrive if we carefully re plant it?

Thank you so much

 

Welcome to the forum

Go for it - it doesn't sound as if you have much choice.
It's probably the worst time of year to be moving it, so I'd strongly suggest removing any apples that start to form on it this year. That will give it more energy to produce new roots which is what it will need most.
Key will be keeping it well watered throughout the summer.

It will probably need staking too - something along these lines -



Good luck!

 

50/50
But you can influence that.
You should cut around it as far from the trunk as you can , to a depth that enables you to still lift and move the cube of soil that you will create.
Then dig a hole bigger than enough to accommodate that cube. Fill, as much as possible with water.
Wrap the loose tree in a sheet to contain and hold intact the cube. With assistance move and once the water has drained, place the unwrapped tree in to the hole, fill and firm tightly. Set at the same level as now.
Rewater to flood it in, refirming/filling as necessary. Stake securely to hold in upright position.
Continue to water for the next year at intervals according to conditions.
Try and orientate tree to the same aspect as previously. Remove any fruit* that may result from this years blossom, consider pruning in August to remove any damaged sticks, to correct balance, fruiting. Correct shape by pruning in January 2027
* leave a few just to see if the apples suit your taste ,assuming you've not scrumped before!

 

I agree, dig the hole it's going into, before you dig up the tree so it can go straight in. Make the hole a square, not round, the roots will just circle in a round hole.
Good luck.

 

Thank you for your advice everyone. I wouldn’t have thought to remove any fruit this year. We will follow the advice given and hope for the best