I live in Northern Calif.,in the coastal range, about 150 mi north of San Francisco. The soil in this area is heavy clay. we average about 28 in. of rain (Oct.-May) per year. about 10 years ago abig oak tree went down. Now about 300 new trees have grown up, from acorn, within the old tree's dripline. These new trees average about 6-12 in.height. The problem is that they are much too close together. I want to transplant these trees in other locations and disperse them through our property. What do I do and how do I do it? I don't want to cause more damage than good. john

Reply to post by john, on January 18, 2002 at 13:52:19:

If all the seedlings you are talking about are only 6"-12" in height, it should be real easy to move them, just dig the up with as much soil as possible, transplant them and water, water, water. No fertilizers.

James.

Reply to post by James Causton, on January 18, 2002 at 13:52:19:

Great idea. I'd just add digging might be best done by hands in the soil or a fork rather than a trowel or shovel.
12" trees on heavy clay soil may have roots longer than 12", so you're better off bare-rooting them rather than trying to dig a rootball.
When planting, try to fracture the subsoil with a pick to promote drainage and deep root growth. Incorporate soil from the original site into soil at the new site. Maybe 50-50 blend, 2x the root length. Mulch with crumbled litter from the old site.
These steps may keep you from having to water so much.

Reply to post by Guy Meilleur, on January 18, 2002 at 22:53:35:

Depending on the species, get as much of the taproot as you can. Many oaks put more juvenile energy into root production then top growth. This is why they are said to be hard to move.

Reply to post by Guy Meilleur, on January 18, 2002 at 22:53:35:

is this best done during winter months in the south...or does timing matter