Moving a Large Plant or Tree
The best time to move a large plant or tree is in the late-autumn or winter when the tree is dormant.
Ideally you need to start the preparation of the move the autumn the year before. Dig a trench around the plant just outside the tips of the leaves and about 30-45cm (12-18" deep). Cut through any roots, now leave the tree for a year. The tree will produce fibrous roots on the inside of the trench, helping the plant get re-established a lot quicker, once moved.
The following year, or if you can't wait, dig down and underneath the tree, taking as much of the root ball as you can. To protect the roots in transit drag sacking or plastic underneath the root ball, gather up the four corners of the sacking and tie to the stem of the plant, wrap delicate branches with a net curtain or fleece to protect them. The plant can now safely be moved to its new position.
Dig the new hole before removing the tree from its existing position, this will reduce the chance of the roots drying out.
Make sure that the tree or shrub is planted at the same level in the ground as in the original position. A quick tip is to lay a bamboo cane across the hole, ensuring that the top of the rootball is level with the cane. If it's not level, take out more soil, or if it's too low, add soil to the planting hole until it is level.
Before back filling the hole, stand back, and look at the tree/shrub to make sure that the best side is facing where you will see it most often.
All plants should be watered well before and after moving, potting-on or planting in a border. |
