moving an apple tree

Is it possible to move an apple tree 2 years after planting.
Its only a small tree (about 6').
We are hoping to move house and the tree was a present and so rather cherished.
Thanks
Alison

 

Hi Alison. Obviously the autumn would be the ideal time to move a tree, but its perfectly possible to move it now with out killing it. The more soil you can keep around its roots the better chance it has and the quicker it will re-establish. I would try and lift it in to a large plastic pot to protect the roots during transport. Also before you plant it dig a big hole and be generous with compost, then keep it well watered. Don't allow the soil around it to dry out.

 

Prune it back first. Some root damage is inevitable, and the less top side the roots have to support, the less traumatised it will be after the move. It will suffer though if you move it in summer, and will need some serious TLC when it gets to its new home.

 

Thank you both, hopefully we will be moving about September/October and I shall prune it first!

 

It will be fine to move it between September and March. Prune it back and keep as much fibrous root as possible. Keep it moist in a plastic bag or similar and the least time it is out of the ground the better. I wouldn't do it now in July; it would suffer and maybe even die.