North American Fruit Explorers mailing list at ibiblio

[Jim Fruth <jfruth@uslink.net>]

    Reading Mark Angermayer's experience about his tree dying after moving
it in summer reminded me of how I do it.
    Moving bareroot squash or pumpkin plants always resulted in plant death
until I removed all fully formed leaves, leaving only the growing point and,
maybe, one still-curled leaf.  Then, all such moves resulted in success.  I
tried the same technique on established grape vines with equal success while
the plants were actively growing.  Fully formed, functioning, leaves lose
more water to the atmosphere faster than the roots of newly moved plants can
take up water from the soil.  Removing leaves interrupts that process.  If I
ever had to move a tree, I'd bet this technique would work on it too.
-- 

Jim Fruth
Brambleberry Farm
Pequot Lakes, MN
www.bberryfarm.com
Jams, Jellies and Syrups
(218)568-8483 [Store]
(218)831-7018 [My cell]