Husband talked me into buying a new tree yesterday after noticing the old tree has been dropping new leaves, old leaves, and flower buds somewhat regularly. It also had two mushrooms growing in the potting medium the other day after all the rain we got, which happened once or twice last year as well. I think it'll live, but I want fruit this year and as my husband explained, we're not Charlie Brown.
My mom wants the old tree, and I think it'll have a much happier life as it'll either be going into a large (probably 4x4x2') wooden box planter or into the ground, depending on where she wants it. Any tips I can give her to make sure the transplant goes successfully and will get the tree off to a good start on recovery? Attached is a picture of the new tree (left) vs. the old tree.