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["John Barbowski" <jbarbowski@gmail.com>]

Approx 6 years after I planted a Harcot apricot, it was not much larger than the original

sapling I had put in the ground. On hot days in summer it would wilt excessively, in spite

of adequate water supply. I attributed the problem to the 'concrete' into which the tree

was deposited. Heavy clay is notorious in my area, and in my exuberance and ignorance,

I did not prepare the resting ground adequately. I decided to move the tree to a different

location, but this time, would ensure that the ground is adequately prepared - a minimum

double the expected root ball size.

 

I didn't take the precautions that Tom Olenio alluded to, (I'm too lazy), but waited till

the end of November to perform the deed. This was about 3 weeks after leaf fall, and

after a few frosts and freezing nights. I wanted to delay as long as possible to ensure

adeqaute dormancy. I still took as much soils as possible.

 

The tree took well and I have since enjoyed harvests of the yellow gold - in spite of the

copious tree rats!   

 

jmb