Japanese Maple seedlings

[sfeagan]

When is the best time to dig maple seedlings that are growing under the main tree? I have a friend that has quite a few that he wants me to get.

 

[penumbra]

In your climate, right now. Buds are swelling I'm sure.

 

[bwaynef]

There's usually a ton @ the university if you can beat the guys who spray 'em. (Ginkgo too.)

 

[leatherback]

seedlings you can grab whenever you want to.

 

[sfeagan]

There's usually a ton @ the university if you can beat the guys who spray 'em. (Ginkgo too.)

I did get a bunch of seeds in November. I didn't know until last year what a ginko was. I saw the ones behind Newman and P&A in the courtyard.

 

[Shibui]

I generally pull maple seedlings from mid winter (in my climate) through to leaf opening. I have even experimented with digging some after the leaves have opened. That does set them back but most still survive.
Give your seedlings a good root prune first up. When they are small is the best time to do that and you will get much better root system as a result.