I have a Valencia orange tree that has been in the ground since 2005. Can I dig the tree up and relocate it? Because of the limited space in my greenhouse it was planted too close to another citrus tree and soon the branches will be growing into each other. I will try to save as many of its roots as possible. I don’t want to lose either tree. The tree is probably about seven feet tall. If I can do this, will the existing fruit be lost? I have no experience in this so please give me your honest opinion. Thanks in advance. Tim.

I would "pre dig" around part of the tree to be moved with a "sharp shooter". Wait a week or two then dig around some more of the tree and wait 2 more weeks. I would water a lot while this partial digging was going on so the roots can sorta grow back and the shock is less . After the last 2 week waiting period then I would dig up all I could and get the tree back in the ground to a pre dug hole as quickly as possible to keep the roots from drying out. I would water a lot but still not drown the tree for days.... You will loose plenty of roots anyway so I would prune the top back at least a third....I know there are better more experienced people on this forum that might have even better advice.....good luck...Tom

Thanks Tom. I never thought of digging a little at a time. That sounds like good advice. Tim.

I think millet said there was a 4 inch rule that were you prune the roots 4 Ives before that it starts producing new lateral roots. So if I am translating millets saying correctly digging alittle at a time the tree would benefi greatly by product many side lateral roots.

I have done it and I read it some where too. Don't dig it up at first just cut through the soil and roots in an orderly manner. The partial cut then has some roots grow back. You said you were getting all the roots you can and this way will not shock the tree so bad doing some then leaving it in place and still watering it. Are you are going out to the drip line if possible?....it will be heavy.

Looking at the problem from another direction. If they do grow together is that worse than the chance of loosing the tree. The tree has quite a bit of value where it is just think about the cost of buying one that big. How much bigger do you think it will get?

I moved a peach tree once and killed it but the advice your getting is better than the advice I got. I wished I would have left it alone.

Randy

just leave it where it is and trim it. plant another tree in the other spot.

Severing the roots by digging straight down is called root pruning. When a root is pruned it will produce multiple new side shoots, BUT ONLY when the soil is warm enough to promote new growth . 55F is the vital temperature for citrus, and little or no growth of any part of the tree can take place until this temperature is exceeded. During February, March, and April when growth is beginning after the winter rest period, the average daily soil temperature at a depth of one foot may not differ very greatly from the average daily air temperature. To be safe, a soil thermometer should be used to determine if the soil temperature is adequate for new root growth. The optimum (prime) soil temperature for new root growth is 80 to 86F, some new growth can take place at temperatures of 70F+. The tree should not be moved until the soil is warm enough to promote the additional root growth that the tree will need to survive. If it was my tree I would not move it until at least two months after root pruning. The top will need to be pruned back at the same time as the roots are pruned. Generally the foliage and roots grow in cycles. When the top is flushing, the root are not growing, and when the top is not producing any growth, then root growth will begin. Good luck to you and your Valencia tree. - Millet (705-)

Thank you all for the great advice. I’m not sure at this time if I will even move the tree in fear of losing it. I may just prune it as some of you suggested. If I do decide to move it I will be sure to use the methods that you all have laid out for me but maybe wait until the soil warms up some first. I will inform everyone when and if I decide to move it. This forum is a great place to get info on citrus by people who have experience growing them. All of your responses and advice is very much appreciated. Tim.