probably right now while the ground is still warm for root growth

When the leaves of the deciduous leaves first appear to change. Or if conifers, when the cones are ready to be harvested. Those are two very good markers.

Dax

dax is correct.. leaves that change to fall colors are considered dormant.. or dead.... it doesnt matter that they hang there a few more weeks ....

ken

What about the concept that roots need to establish themselves? Wouldnt a September planting give the roots two or three months to establish themselves and increase the probability of survival through a tough winter?

Well, here is my ideas and I'd like your input.
There is a volunteer Ash and a volunteer Black Cherry growing in my yard that I was thinking of digging one of them up and putting where my currently straggling mountain ash is.
The dilemma is that if the ash and black cherry found it's way to my yard does that mean if established that they will send thousands of baby volunteers around? If that is the case, then I will go to a garden centre and purchase a tree - probably in a container. And yes I would try to make sure it is not a sat all summer in a pot tree.

I know that the Ash is having severe issues with the ash borer. But what about the black cherry? How do you rate a black cherry?

I will also take into account to wait for the leaf change to do the planting. Otherwise, I'll have to wait for spring.

thanks,
greenrr

I've transplanted a Japanese Maple a week ago and nothing ever stops me, anytime. These answers we give, if there is a group who might know what is going on and writing on garden web, whoever you all are, doesn't matter - all these answers are ideal conditions. Your own level of experience dictates risk outside these norms. Sorry greenrr - I didn't even take the time to --reead your comments. ok I see your jist, the answers are: from a container, anytime. transplanting, I move things all the time. I also water and weed. Watering and weeding... is important and after learing how to plant correctly they fall in line - next

Dax

after.... mulch! don't forget mulch.

Dax

first... consider dax a professional .. what he gets away with... is not what the novice will get away with .... regarding timing...

re september ... it can be 100 F degrees ... or it can be 70 degrees .... if you are reasonable sure ... that after transplant .... you wont have a week of 100 degree days... go for it .... but again.. its back to experience level .... but if you do a deciduous tree in sept... dont have a stroke.. if all the leaves fall off a month early .. no matter how good you are.. there are stressors ...

in z5 or 6 .... where the ground freezes ... fall transplant.. gives you two cool season growth periods to grow roots ... before the heat of next summer .... and there is no way that is bad ....

if you wait until next may ... a couple days after transplant.. it could hit 100 again ... and last the rest of the season .. and that is trouble ...

its all a matter of knowing the variables .... and your experience level.. and choosing the timing that is idiot proof.. and sometimes that doesnt even help ... lol

define black cherry .... fruit or furniture wood tree .... i move cherries all the time .... below is a picture of what a bare rooted tree looks like ... i would do it.. as soon as the leaves fall off ... dig new hole first.. then tree.. then replant.. asap ..

good luck

ken

{{gwi:331094}}

black cherry grow large, great tree
-- one tree that my dad let grow
as a "volunteer" and they are the
largest trees --- if you water you
can plant a tree with a good root
system almost anytime the ground is not
frozen --- bare root trees not recommended
to plant in fall in zones less than 5
i have planted in zone 3b trees in fall
that had good roots in 1 gallon containers.

{{gwi:432135}}

{{gwi:432136}}

{{gwi:432138}}

So this is the black cherry that I'm thinking of digging up and replacing with my sorry *ss mountain ash. I hope it's not too big to move- it's tall but the caliper seems small enough. Worst case, there is a smaller one growing nearby - about 1/2 the height.

The 14 day outlook is temps in the low 20's C. So I have all my rain barrel water ready to keep the new transplant well nourished!! I'm wondering if I should even attempt to replant the sorry *ss mountain ash somewhere else in the yard or just chuck it. Hmmm

{{gwi:432139}}

{{gwi:432139}}

cheers,
greenrr