Transplanting Bushes, Shrubs and Trees
Got a bush or shrub to move ? Not sure if it can be done? You've never
transplanted a bush before!? Don't worry or fret. Most bushes and shrubs
can be transplanted successfully. A smaller bush usually transplants better,
with a higher success rate than an older, larger bush. But, we've seen some
pretty big bushes moved successfully from one spot to another.
As a rule of thumb, spring is the best time to transplant bushes and shrubs.
During the spring, there's more moisture in the soil, plants are growing
at their fastest rate, and the weather is cooler. Sometimes, during other
times of the year, homeowners and gardeners come upon a situation where their
bush or shrub must be moved. When faced with a "must move, or else" situation,
by all means try to transplant it. After all, what is the alternative!?
Transplanting can affect the blooming of flowering bushes and shrubs. Often,
the transplant will produce few or no flowers the next year. Normal blooms
will return the following year. Transplanting can also affect the production
of fruit and berries from bushes and trees. Again, it usually affects only
one year.
How to Transplant Bushes and Shrubs:
Here are the basic steps to successfully transplanting bushes and shrubs:
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First, give the plant a good trim. Cut off about 1/3 the plant. With less
plant structure to support, your transplanted bush or tree can focus on
re-growing the root system.
-
To remove the plant from its current location, it is very important
to dig deep and wide. The more roots you get, the more successful the transplant,
with less transplant shock.
-
The bigger the plant, the wider and deeper you will need to go, to grab plenty
of the root system. For trees, the tap root can go quite deep. Try
to get as much of the tap root as reasonably possible.
-
While removing the plant, try not to disturb as much of the root system as
possible. The more soil you take, the less likely you will break small, feeder
roots.
-
After extracting the bush or tree from it's old site, DO NOT shake soil off
the root system. While it makes it easier to move, it will break more roots.
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Dig a hole in the new location. Make the hole about twice as big as the root
system.
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Mix in plenty of compost into the hole.
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Place the plant into the hole. Examine the bush or tree to determine whether
one side looks better, and where you want to position the best side.
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The bush or tree should be planted to a depth level to where it was in its
original location. Planting deeper usually does not help the plant, and sometimes
can harm it.
-
Begin to fill the hole with a mixture of garden soil and compost. Be careful
to keep the plant straight up while filling the hole.
-
After filling the hole press down...firmly, but not hard on the soil. Tamping
down hard can break roots. Add more soil later, if the soil sinks around
the edges for the hole.
-
Water thoroughly and deeply. We like to use a light solution of liquid fertilizer
or seaweed fertilizer at transplanting time.
-
Deeply water regularly to keep the soil moist, not wet for 3-4 weeks. This
will help your roots to re-establish themselves.
Tip: If transplanting during hot weather, provide a light shade for
your transplant for a few days. This will minimize wilting and possible leaf
burn from the sun.
More Information:
Transplanting Lilacs
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