Transplanting Trees & Shrubs
Tim Birch
There times when a plant out grows its spot or needs to be moved to
make way for a new garden design. When transplanting a shrub or tree be
aware of the weather. Though possible, transplanting shrubs during very
hot weather is definitely not recommended, it can cause great stress to
the plant, even with lots of watering. To ensure the plant remain
healthy, transplant in the spring or fall when the weather is cooler.
Even then, however, watering is the most important thing you can do.
Before you start digging it may be necessary to carefully tie up the
existing branches which may be in the way. Doing this will give you a
better view of what you are doing. Once you've tied up the shrub, begin
to dig around the plant's trunk. Its recommended to dig up as much of
the roots as possible. Generally, 12 inches of root ball for every 1
inch of stem caliper, is adequate. Dig a circular trench around the
trunk of the tree or shrub. Dig straight down and pull the soil away
from the plant.
After you've dug a deep trench around the trunk of the plant, begin to
dig across, beneath the plant. Do this from all sides of the plant.
Avoid prying the shrub out of the ground before its ready, you could
break apart the root ball and loose much of the outer fibrous roots.
Once the plant becomes loose you'll be able to remove the tree or shrub
from the hole. This is the difficult part, especially with larger
shrubs and trees. Smaller tree and shrubs can generally be lifted out
of the ground with ease.
To remove a large plant from the ground, lean it, root ball and all, to
one side and place some sturdy burlap or an old blanket beneath the
roots. Next, lean the plant to the other side on and pull the burlap
though. Two people should be able to remove the plant from the ground
with the root ball intact.
Plants should be kept moist while out of the ground and should only be
out of the ground for a limited amount of time. They should be planted
again as soon as possible. When planting the shrub in its new spot
follow these general guide lines for planting. Dig a hole twice the
diameter of the root ball and just as deep. Place the plant in the hole
making sure that the top of the root ball is at the existing grade of
the garden. If there are some roots which seem to be getting in the way
of the plant sitting properly you can prune them. Never plant new or
transplanted tree and shrubs too low or too high, this a major cause of
premature plant decline. Back fill the hole with a mix of existing
soil, peat moss and compost or manure to the half way mark. At this
point water the plant and allow the soil to settle. This will prevent
the formation of air pockets in the hole Construct a saucer around the
trunk of the tree to prevent runoff and water again. If the plant is
tall and exposed to wind, staking may be needed.
Though some trees and shrubs are easier and more successfully
transplanted than others, these general guidelines will give your
plants the best possible chance of survival.
Tim Birch is the publisher of
http://www.gardenlistings.com . For
information on all kinds of garden projects visit http://www.gardenlistings.com/
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