[for my dad apple tree]

If anyone can help me with some advise on how to move a apple tree? My dad died in July 2007 and left my 15 year old son his apple tree if anything should happen to my mum, my mum has been told she as anyurism in her brain and has had to move in with us so i need to move this apple tree asap. i cant leave it their because it was my dad's and i dont want to kill it please if anyone can help tell me how the best way i would be so thankfull thanks maria

[Trillium]

You don't say how old the tree is, which is a big factor. Nor if it's a dwarf variety or large 'standard' type.

If the tree is youngish and of the dwarf types, you can move it now while its still dormant. You'd soak the soil well (if not already soaked), dig all around the tree about 2 foot away from the trunk (a trench) then try to work down while angling in toward the trunk so that you have a root ball about  2-3 ft deep (1M). With help, carefully cut off any smaller roots still attached and shift onto a large piece of hessian or sheet of plastic and wrap.
the idea is to keep as much of the main root intact, otherwise the tree will suffer a lot. The new hole should be well dug with lots of compost dug in, watered well, and the tree fitted in at the same soil height as before. Water often all summer so the tree will recover.

If its a much bigger tree, then......

[Salkeela]

If it is bigger it will take longer to move.  

I've heard (but haven't used) a method where you cut the roots on one side close to the tree in the first winter - this encourages more root hair formation close in on that side.  The other side is left as normal and helps feed the tree that year.

Next year (winter) you cut close the other side and lift the tree out.  The new root hairs (and small roots) formed in the previous year close to the main trunk help the tree to survive after the move.

Water copiously etc for a year after re-planting.

Not an easy task.

What about asking a nursery man to take a graft or two from the tree?  That way you still have something of the tree should the move not work?  Just a thought.

[paintedlady]

I moved a dwarf variety apple tree that had been in the ground only 1 year (long story why it had to be moved)  I was surprised how deep the roots had grown in that one year and unfortunately some broke.

Sadly, it did not survive   The grafting idea sounds good just in case the move doesn't work.  Perhaps get professional help to move it - they might have all the right tools and knowledge?