Older cherry plums (also known as purple-leaf plums) really don’t like to be moved once they’re established. However, if you have a younger tree, you can definitely give it a new home in your garden! Our guide will walk you through exactly what you need to know to move your tree like a pro.
Things to Consider Before You Start
The best time to transplant a cherry plum is early fall, well before the first frost hits. Once you’ve finished harvesting those sweet fruits, your young tree will be ready for its big move.
Here’s how to get the job done right:
- When you start digging, keep in mind that while these trees are deep-rooted, they also grow many tiny feeder roots near the surface. These are super sensitive, so try your best not to damage them.
- You’ll need to expose the entire root ball. A good rule of thumb is that the root system is usually wider than the tree’s canopy, so make sure your new hole is big enough to accommodate that.
- I always recommend digging the new hole *before* you dig up the tree. This prevents the roots from drying out while they’re sitting above ground. Just a heads-up: these trees aren’t big fans of overly sandy soil.
- Once the tree is out of the ground, it’s a smart move to trim back both the roots and the canopy slightly so they stay roughly the same size. This helps the tree balance its energy.
How to Plant Your Tree
When you’re ready to get the tree in the ground, follow these steps:
- To make sure your cherry plum feels right at home, the new hole should be about twice as wide as the root ball.
- Loosen up the soil at the bottom and sides of the hole to prevent compaction and help the roots spread.
- Mix some humus into the soil you dug out. If you don’t have any on hand, a mix of compost and horn meal works wonders as a natural fertilizer.
- Give the roots a good soak in water before placing the tree in the ground.
- Position your cherry plum right in the center of the hole and start planting.
- As you fill the hole back in, gently press the soil down every now and then. This gets rid of air pockets and gives the tree the stability it needs.
- It’s also a great idea to add a support stake to ensure straight growth. It’s easiest to drive the stake in while you’re still filling the hole.
Aftercare Tips
In the weeks following the move, make sure to water regularly with soft (lime-free) water to help those roots get healthy and established. The most important thing is that the ground doesn’t freeze during this initial phase, which is why you shouldn’t wait too late in the season to move it. Generally, I’d advise against transplanting in the spring—fall is definitely the sweet spot for these beauties!
