The Globe Maple (also known as the Globe Norway Maple) is a relatively small, manageable tree, which makes moving it a bit easier than tackling a massive oak. That being said, don’t underestimate the job! It takes some solid planning to make sure your tree survives the trek. Here’s my guide on how to successfully transplant your Globe Maple without the stress.
Why move a Globe Maple in the first place?
There are plenty of reasons you might decide your tree needs a change of scenery. Usually, it comes down to one of these:
- Not enough sun: It’s stuck in a spot that’s just too shady.
- Garden makeover: You’re redesigning your backyard layout.
- Crowding: It was planted too close to other shrubs and now everyone is fighting for elbow room.
When is the best time to transplant?
Once the leaves start to drop, your Globe Maple is heading into its dormant phase. October is generally the sweet spot to start planning the move. Just make sure the tree has lost at least half of its foliage before you dig in. Most importantly: pick a day that is frost-free. If the ground is frozen or the temps are dipping below freezing, hit the pause button and wait a few days for a thaw.
How to prep for the big move
Good prep work makes the heavy lifting easier and helps your tree recover faster. First things first, you’ll want to prune the canopy. Start by removing any branches growing inward, any dead wood, and up to four of the thickest main branches. To help the tree cope with the root loss (especially with younger trees), go ahead and trim all the remaining branches back by about a quarter.
Also, a quick pro-tip: keep your tools clean! Dirty shears are the fastest way to spread diseases and fungal infections across your garden. Give everything a good scrub and sharpen them up before you start. Here’s your gear list:
- Bypass loppers
- A folding pruning saw
- A sturdy spade
- Heavy-duty work clothes and gloves
Step-by-step: How to transplant your Globe Maple
Follow these steps to get your tree settled into its new home:
- Mark the root ball: Use your spade to cut a circle around the base of the tree. The circle should be at least three-quarters the width of the tree’s canopy.
- Dig a trench: Dig a furrow about 4 inches deep along that circle.
- Sever the roots: Cut through any remaining deep roots to free the root ball.
- Lift: Carefully lift the tree out of the ground.
- Protect the roots: Wrap the root ball in burlap to keep it moist and intact during the move.
- Replant: Get it into the ground at its new location as soon as possible.
