How to Move a Fig Tree in Alabama
- 1). Draw an imaginary circle around the fig tree, at the dripline of its widest branches. This will be the size of the hole you'll want to dig. Go to the new location and dig a hole similar in size, and 3 feet deep. Make sure the soil drains well by pouring half a bucket of water into the planting hole. If it does not drain quickly, amend the soil with equal parts peat and sand.
- 2). Return to the fig tree and dig in a circle at the dripline of the widest branches. Place the shovel point at a 45-degree angle toward the tap root at the center. Dig to a depth of 3 feet, prying up gently as you work your way around. If you feel strong resistance from the tap root, dig deeper and try again.
- 3). Lift the fig tree out of the hole, grasping it low on the trunk and lifting up with the shovel underneath. You many need the assistance of a partner to get it up and into the wheelbarrow.
- 4). Roll the wheelbarrow to the new site. Lift the tree out of the wheelbarrow and set it in the center of the transplant hole. Step back and check to see that the fig tree is standing straight, and that the root crown (where the trunk meets the soil) is an inch or so above the soil line, to allow for settling.
- 5). Backfill the hole with soil, pressing it firmly against the roots to close air spaces that can dry them out. Tamp the soil down firmly with your foot. Finish with a bucket of water, poured slowly on the root zone of the fig tree.
- 6). Prune the tree back by half its height if it is less than 3 years old. This procedure, called "heading back," balances the size of the growth above ground with the size of the root system below ground. It may seem severe, but helps the tree recover, because its roots won't be struggling to support tall growth while dormant and in transplant shock.
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