I've been told october, when the soil is damp but not too cold.

you have 2 best times very late summer early spring or the one id choose very early spring but when they are doorment which ever .

Hi Heidib and Noseypotter thanks for the reply to my question think I will give it a go in early spring always to much to do in the garden in late summer! hope you are enjoying this glorious weather! Paulinep

Pauline, plant your tree in October or November, not spring - winter, when the tree is dormant, is the time for root growth, and a new tree needs to do that. Also make sure you keep it watered thoroughly next summer (2 gallons a week minimum) and the year after - the first two years are critical for water, after that, they can cope on their own.

i dissagree early spring before it starts growing ie doorment so it starts growing and recovering from the shock of the move rather than going through a winter with know growth . my way it will grow and ready itself for its first winter.you do have 2 slots one of which is october so its your choice . i know a man who grows bonzie trees for a living and realy early spring is what he does.watering well goes without saying till the trees tap root hits your water table .

I'd point out, Noseypotter, that Pauline wants to know when to plant the tree, not when to dig it up and move it - there will be no shock at all to a container grown specimen at planting time.

ow well i guess on a cool night would be ok realy then as long as the roots arnt desturbed or damaged and the tree gets lots of water but everyone to there own especialy as pauline as she said is going to be realy busy at the end of the year.

Hi Pauline, here is another link (which says similar to what my dad told me), but I agree lots to do end of summer, especially as the weather is so good, my garden is growing at a rate of knots!

http://www.gardenaction.co.uk/fruit_veg_diary/fruit_veg_mini_project_march_2b_plum.asp