Known for producing delicious juicy fruits along with having large leaf spans, fig trees are a highly rewarding tree to have in your garden.
However, the current location of your fig tree may not be so ideal. For instance, you may wish to find a more favourable position in terms of sun exposure or soil conditions.
Likewise, if your fig tree isn’t producing any fruit, it may actually be perfectly healthy yet is focusing its energy on growing its lush foliage rather than producing any fruit. Transplanting your fig tree can often solve these types of issues and more.
However, the big question is choosing the right time of year to transplant a fig tree so that the health of the plant isn’t jeopardised.
In this guide, we’ll talk about how to move fig trees in Manchester, where our tree surgery business is based. Learn from these top tips and tricks to ensure flourishing fig trees await.
Transplanting Fig Trees: An Overview
Many of our customers in Manchester ask us: ‘Can you transplant a fig tree?’
The answer is yes, so long as you respect this variety to prevent potential damage to the tree.
For instance, when you want to plant a fig tree into the ground for the first time, this can happen at any time of the year so long as the ground isn’t frozen. However, moving an existing fig tree to a new location requires more careful planning.
In short, the best time to transplant a fig tree is when it’s in its dormant state. Time wise, this is classed as any time between late winter and early spring.
When a fig tree is in a dormant state this avoids stressing the tree. Gardeners sometimes refer to this type of problem as fig tree transplant shock.
Overall, so long as there is no frost, and the time is not too close to when new growth begins in late spring, the transplant should be successful.
A Replanting Fig Tree Checklist
New to caring for a fig tree? We’ve made it simple to understand how to transplant a fig tree by breaking up everything you need to do into the following easy steps.
Sticking To The Best Time To Transplant Fig Tree
As we’ve just covered, the best time to transplant a fig tree is when the tree is in its dormant state such as in spring. When the weather gets warmer and frost isn’t a worry anymore, fig trees wake up from their winter sleep. In Manchester, spring is usually from March to May, which is the perfect time for plants to grow.
Best Locations For Fig Trees
Fig trees like sunlight, so pick a spot where they can get at least six to eight hours of sunlight every day. Also, make sure the soil drains well and has lots of good stuff for the tree to grow in, like compost. Fig trees prefer slightly alkaline soil, with a pH of between 6.0 to 6.5.
Preparing A Fig Tree For Transplant
Before you move the fig tree, get it ready to be transplanted. Cut off any dead or crowded branches to keep them healthy. Carefully dig around the roots to not damage them. If the fig tree is in a pot, gently loosen the roots so they grow better.
Digging The Ground
When you’re ready to move the fig tree, dig a hole. Make it bigger than the roots so they have space to grow. The hole should be a bit shallower than the roots. Mix up the soil at the bottom to help the roots spread out.
Lift Fig Trees With Care
Now it’s time to move the fig tree. Lift it carefully, making sure not to hurt the roots. Put it in the hole, making sure the top of the roots is level with the ground. Fill the hole with soil and press it down gently.
Watering And Mulching The Soil
After you’ve transplanted the fig tree, water it well to help it settle in. Keep watering it regularly so the soil stays moist but not too wet. Putting mulch around the base of the tree helps keep moisture in and stops weeds from growing.
Ongoing Fig Tree Maintenance
Moving can be hard for fig trees, so keep an eye on them. If the leaves start to wilt or the branches droop, give them more water. As they get used to their new home, they might need some extra food to help them grow strong and healthy.
Scott Davies Tree Surgeon – Tree Planting Services Manchester
By following the above steps, gardeners in Manchester can successfully reposition their fig trees and watch them thrive in their new homes.
That said, transplanting a fig tree in spring is a satisfying job but one that needs planning and care.
So if you’re in search of a ‘Tree surgeon near me’ to help and you’re based in Greater Manchester, you’re in the right place!
If you need assistance or professional guidance with planting your fig tree or other types of trees, don’t hesitate to reach out to us here at Scott Davies Tree Surgery.
Our tree surgeons provide expert advice and tree planting services to residential and commercial properties across Greater Manchester.