Believe it or not, actually Autumn is the best time not only to transplant but to plant. Here is what Larry Davis, a City Fruit supporter has written:
“As winter approaches, the temperature drops and most plants enter a period of dormancy. In a mild climate, like we have here in the Puget Sound region, many plants do not completely shut down, and still continue to grow slowly. For this reason, fall planting is recommended as well as spring planting in the region. Unlike in more severe regions, the transplanted tree can actually begin to establish its roots during the mild winter and be more prepared to make its start when the weather does warm up in the spring.”
City Fruit’s website has helpful information for many things, including how to plant fruit trees.
So, consider getting a head start and putting in that fruit tree right now. Ignore convention, thinking that you have to wait until next Spring and either look around now for that new tree you want or else transplant that wonderful little Honeycrisp tree that you have in a shady corner and give it a better start on your property where there is more sun.
Many nurseries prefer to sell their bare-root fruit trees in the Spring, but you might be able to find a discount somewhere on a potted tree that would be exactly what you are looking for. Why not go for it?
(Side note: Usually fully grown trees are not good candidates for transplanting…we are only talking about small trees that have not reached a height such as your height and the smaller the tree, the less the pain and the more likely the success of transplanting).
