What is Transplant Shock?

by | Dec 9, 2019 | Trees in General

Orchard Park Tree What is Transplant Shock

Trees could get stressed out getting used to their new spots, regardless of how carefully they’re planted. Replanting a tree can instigate transplant shock. If you’re wondering what is transplant shock and if there’s something you can do about it, continue reading this article. 

 

What is Transplant Shock?

Transplant shock is a term that includes a host of issues experienced after trees are either transplanted or planted.

Orchard Park Tree What is Transplant Shock Planting Trees

Planting an apple tree in the garden

The symptoms of transplant shock will make it appear as if your newly planted tree is perishing. Though they do differ a bit, the chances of your tree recovering from these stresses are quite good.

 

Signs of Transplant Shock

Your trees could begin dropping leaves as the first indication of transplant shock. Though transplant shock produces a range of symptoms and every one of them can appear different depending on the tree. Signs of a tree going through transplant shock usually include:

  • Premature Fall Color
  • Branch Dieback
  • Brown Leaf Tips
  • Late Spring Budding
  • Stunted Flower Growth or Stunted Twig

Even though trees in shock can appear deceivingly close to dead trees, there’s an easy way to tell the difference. Start by choosing a random twig on the tree and scraping off the first layer of bark with a pocketknife or your finger. If the layer beneath the bark is moist and bright green, your tree is still alive.

 

How to Save a Transplanted Tree

In the transplant process, trees exhaust a vast amount of their root system. This is one of the main reasons trees struggle after being transplanted. Over 90% of trees will experience signs of transplant shock, you can do something about it.

  • Every week rehydrate the roots with about one inch of water.
  • Apply mulch around your tree.
  • Put the mulch right up to the farthest edges of the tree’s canopy.

If rehydrating the tree isn’t doing the job, you’ll have to remember when the tree was first planted. The hole must be the correct size and the planting hole needs to be wider than the tree’s possible root spread and deep enough for the root flare to sit just above the ground. You can also get the help of a certified Orchard Park arborist to replant your tree the right way.