Best time to transplant

[Inhunter]

I have 15-20 small pear trees that have started growning in an overgrown field next to my yard. I assume this is from where i toss them over the fence before I mow. They are anywhere from 2'-10'+ tall. I probably wont bother with any tees over 5'. The parent tree holds the pears well into november and once they drop there are deer under the tree everyday eating them. I am wanting to transplant these small trees to my hunting spot, but was just curious what the best time of year to do this was.
I think i remember someone at one time telling me to transplant trees in the winter once they have entered dormancy. Is this correct?

I have looked through the tree planting thread and i think i have a grasp on how to transplant the tree. Just wondering when the best time to transplant would be.

 

[Packnasty]

Spring or fall. Now would be good too. Save as much of the root system as you can. If you want to go a step further, amend the soil and throw some fert down with each one of the trees.

One thing to consider is that a lot of fruit trees have weak root systems, so they're typically grafted onto a different species in the same family. As long as the parent tree isn't grafted, your little seedlings should be fine. Otherwise, they might not last very long.

 

[Nontypcl1]

I like to plant during fall. I usually like late November once plants have gone dormant and before the ground begins to freeze. I don't like to add any fert in the fall because I don't want to encourage growth at this time and the plants aren't going to use it now anyways. It's getting on the late side for fall transplanting but it can still be done.

 

[Central Iowa]

It's getting on the late side for fall transplanting but it can still be done.

I assumed anytime before the ground froze in the fall or winter would be ok. What can be the problems with this late or later?

 

[letemgrow]

Are you certain they are from what you tossed over the fence and not the ornamental Bradford that birds are starting to spread all over the place?

If they are from the pears you tossed, fall is the best time for my area to transplant. The farther north you go, then spring is the best time.

I have transplanted some american chestnuts this late, collected the dirt in November before the ground was froze, then planted them upon arrival. Great success that way even with the ground frozen while planting (dirt from holes was stored in the garage).

With the warm temps this year, you should still be able to transplant now IMO.

 

[Nontypcl1]

I assumed anytime before the ground froze in the fall or winter would be ok. What can be the problems with this late or later?

I only mentioned its getting late to plant because the ground normally has some frost in it by now and will freeze soon. That is if stops raining and actually cools back down. I also like to let the plant have a couple weeks of time to recover from any transplant shock before their roots are frozen solid

 

[Inhunter]

I am positive these are from the ones i have thrown over the fence. The largest one actually had a few small pears on it this year. These are all clustered in the exact spot i threw them over the fence and the leaves are identical to the parent tree.

Thanks for all the answers.

If i do not get it done soon, can this be done in early spring??

By the way, i am from Southern Indiana, that might have a little bearing on things.

 

[letemgrow]

Southern IN is in zone 6 I believe. I am in zone 5, so that should bide you some more time to transplant guessing anyways.

Early spring is the next best time after fall to plant seedlings. The real advantage to transplant seedlings in fall is they are more established by the next summer over a spring planted seedling during the same summer. They had more time to establish roots before the summer stress.