How long does transplant shock last for a tree?

Author: Prof. Zander Howell PhD  |  Last update: Saturday, October 25, 2025

Some trees take two or more years to get rid of all their stress symptoms. Occasionally, it can even take up to 5 years for trees to fully recover. In most cases, it takes a year or so for trees to shake off transplant shock.

Can trees recover from transplant shock?

Most trees will survive transplant shock and some will rebound quickly in one month to 6 weeks, while others may need a dormant period to completely recover. To prevent transplant shock in the future (aside from time of year), consider planting on a cool cloudy day, when rain is forecasted in the next 24 hours.

How to tell if a transplanted tree will survive?

It could take from six months to a year to know if it's survived the transplant process. If you see any new growth, that's a promising sign.

What does transplant shock look like in trees?

Symptom. Leaf scorch is a common symptom of transplant shock. Leaf scorch first appears as a yellowing or bronzing of tissue between the veins or along the margins of leaves of deciduous plants (those that lose their leaves in winter). Later, the discolored tissue dries out and turns brown.

How long does it take for a tree to come out of shock?

Some trees take a couple of years to get rid of most of their stress symptoms. Occasionally, it could even take up to five years for trees to fully recover.

Gardening Myths: Blaming Everything On Transplant Shock | 4 Reasons Your Plant Died After Transplant

How to get rid of transplant shock?

5-STEP GUIDE FOR TREATING TRANSPLANT SHOCK
  1. Step 1: Water Your Plant. Give the plant a thorough watering and keep the soil consistently moist after transplanting. ...
  2. Step 2: Provide Shade and Protection. ...
  3. Step 3: Prune Leaves. ...
  4. Step 4: Maintain a Supportive Environment. ...
  5. Step 4: Gradual Acclimation.

Should you water a tree after transplanting?

Newly planted trees or shrubs require more frequent watering than established trees and shrubs. They should be watered at planting time and at these intervals: 1-2 weeks after planting, water daily. 3-12 weeks after planting, water every 2 to 3 days.

Should you fertilize a tree with transplant shock?

Fertilization at the time of planting is generally not recommended. It is ineffective until the root system has a chance to reestablish. It is usually advisable to wait two or three years before applying fertilizer, and then it is recommended to get a soil test first.

How to save a dying tree after transplant?

Give tree roots at least one inch of water per week. Apply a two-to-four-inch deep layer of mulch from the base of the tree to the drip line. Keep mulch five inches away from the trunk. Don't over prune young trees, unless it's to remove dead or damaged branches.

How long does it take for a transplanted tree to root?

Trees provided with regular irrigation through the first growing season after transplanting require approximately 3 months (hardiness zones 9-11), 6 months (hardiness zones 7-8), or one year or more (hardiness zones 2-6) per inch of trunk diameter to fully establish roots in the landscape soil.

What is the survival rate of transplanted trees?

Q: What is the Survival Rate of Newly Transplanted Trees? You can expect about a 95 percent survival rate when Big Trees Today handles your tree transplant. Using an appropriate ratio when performing a tree transplant helps the survival of your tree in its new location.

How do you stimulate the root of a transplanted tree?

We recommend soaking the root ball slowly with your garden hose, gradually moving the hose around the perimeter of the tree. In addition to soaking the root ball, water the area around the edge of the tree well to encourage outward root growth.

What percent of newly planted trees survive?

Hundreds of thousands of trees are planted along city and community streets and on other public property throughout the United States each year. Unfortunately, many of these trees, perhaps 50 percent or more, do not survive beyond one or two years.

What is the best root stimulator for trees?

Liquid and gel forms of root stimulators tend to be the most effective, safest, and easiest to use. BAC's Root Stimulator is one of the best root stimulator for plants.

Can you overwater a newly planted tree?

Newly planted trees must remain hydrated, but it can be tricky knowing how to properly water them. One thing that should be avoided is over-watering the plant and making it soggy. You want to keep the root ball and soil surrounding it intact. The key is to provide the plant and soil with moisture without overdoing it.

What does a tree in shock look like?

If you've recently planted a new tree on your property and you're wondering if its experiencing transplant shock, here are some things to look for: Leaf scorch occurs when the area along the veins of the leaves or the outer edges of the leaves turn yellow and then eventually dries out and turns brown.

How long can transplant shock last?

For instance, greens can get over the surprise after 2-4 weeks of transplanting. But, plants which includes timber can take up to 2 years or earlier than they can recover from all transplant surprise stress.

When should you not transplant a tree?

The Weather Is Too Hot or Too Cold. We usually advise against moving a tree in the midst of summer. The heat is already putting significant pressure on the tree. If we add the transplant shock, the chances of the tree surviving in its new location are reduced.

How to fix tree transplant shock?

Keep roots moist - Keep the soil well-watered, but make sure that the plant has good drainage and is not in standing water. Wait patiently - Sometimes a plant just needs a few days to recover from transplant shock. Give it some time and care for it as you normally would and it may come back on its own.

How often should I water transplanted trees?

For the first week, water daily to help the tree get over the initial shock of being transplanted. After that, water deeply once a week in warm weather, more frequently in hot, windy weather. Continue watering until the leaves drop in fall.

What is the best food for transplanted trees?

Using those results, fertilize using slow-release, non-burning organics, a high-nitrogen fertilizer containing slow release nitrogen (such as 10-6-4 50% organic), or water-soluble plant food to supply those nutrients. Apply just beyond the drip line of the tree following the label directions for rate.

Is it normal for a tree to wilt after transplanting?

After planting, a tree can communicate transplant shock in a number of ways including wilting or falling leaves, premature fall colour, dying branches and, in serious cases, death. Transplant shock can also make a newly planted tree more susceptible to pests and diseases.

How many minutes should you water a tree?

The average tree requires approximately 160 gallons of water per month. This can be applied by running a soaker hose with a low flow of water for 15 to 20 minutes (equivalent to four 5 gallon buckets), two times per week. Watering should be applied at the dripline of the tree (outer perimeter of the tree foliage).

How to keep a transplanted tree alive?

How to Save a “Dying” Transplanted Tree
  1. Hydrate roots with at least one inch of water each week.
  2. Add a two-to-four-inch deep layer of mulch from the tree's base to its outermost leaves. Then, pull the mulch a few inches away from the trunk. You want to avoid volcano mulching. More on that here.

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