[peter james]

hi just been reofferd a 8 ft tall by 6 ft wide got offered of frecycle last summer but it wes in fruit .she hes just emailed back to as if i still want it . but hhow doi go about removeing it ie trim top (how much)and what about the realy long roots   . thanks p,j

[paintedlady]

If you had read the earlier post about moving an apple tree, you'd realise that my one and only attempt died so expert advice from me probably not forthcoming.

However, if I recall, plum trees shouldn't be trimmed back during the winter months because it makes them more susceptible to disease.  Also, the size of that tree sounds similar to my victoria plum on semi dwarf stock, so you'd have to be careful how much you chopped off the top.

Perhaps I'd better let someone with more experience jump in here ....

[peter james]

lol i might just try the move as is then dont want to lose it its a realy goog cropper   .p,j

[CHRISDONOHUE]

I would say Yes and ask if you can prepare the ground for moving it in November.   The way apparently to do this is to cut the roots at the circumference of a circle of soil that you will be able to remove totally in November and preserve by covering with sacking.    Until November, the tree will make new roots within the circle if necessary.

If you have to move it now, I would not cut any of the tree for fear of getting silver leaf infection.   But the quicker you move it the better as the soil is drying out and spring is coming.   I would cut the roots as above, move it with sacking round the rootball and hope it survives.   The quicker you are able to replant it the better and the difference in soil types may be crucial to its survival - a similar soil and it will probably be quite happy.

[Jerry]

I'd say yes too. At this time of year it will settle in, but move it quickly or it will be too late. When you do move it, don't worry about cutting through some of the larger roots, its the smaller more fibrous ones that you need to keep as these are the feeder roots. take a large cheap tarpaulin with you to wrap round the roots to stop them drying out too much. Don't cut anything off the top growth unless you simply have to.
Prepare your ground first - dig your hole. I guess you will need to dig a hole at least 45cm deep by at least 2 metres diameter. By doing this work first you avoid delaying planting the tree. You will need help to get it in position, and might need to stake it so have a stake and ties ready.

[gobs]

lol i might just try the move as is then dont want to lose it its a realy goog cropper   .p,j

Well won't be once moved. You gotta be prepared for possible failure and def reduction in fruiting for 1 -2 seasons, in fact I would not let it fruit myself in year of move.

Have you a van or organised for one?

[peter james]

prob get less yeald but how do i stop it fruiting for the 1st  year. i dont mind haveing towait for it to catch up im in this for the long hall. p,j  

[gobs]

Flower removal is not something I would normally do or recommend as I think it's for those with the one tree with 20 flowers or just particularly bored.

But in this case it might well be worth doing and might help to settle the tree in, you don't say how old, but I guess it is an old tree, so any help it can get. It will need copious amounts of watering this season, unless flooded, of course.

Also, you need a helper and got to think of transporting in advance, since older brunches will be rigid and cannot be tied together.

I moved a 5 year-old greengage last year in April, you can prune them that time of year.

[peter james]

the move went ok no broken roots started digging as far back from the tree as possible then worked in . moved it with mymate and his trailer got it replanted same day    so it should not have been to shocked . just keep a close eye on it and see what summer brings ..p,j,

[flowerlady]

Well done you !!  Lots of water I would think would be a good idea ... just until it gets settled in !!  

Can we expect a photo ??