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 one
year.
How to Transplant Bushes and Shrubs:
Here are the basic steps to successfully transplanting bushes and shrubs:
-
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.
-
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 dig. 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, disturb as little as possible of the root system.
The more soil you take, the less likely you will break small, feeder roots.
-
DO NOT shake soil off the root system. While it makes it easier to move,
it will break more feeder roots.
-
Dig a hole in the new location. Make the hole about twice as big as the root
system.
-
Mix plenty of compost into the hole.
-
Add peat moss, 1 part peat moss to 2 parts native soil.
About Peat Moss
-
Place the plant into the hole. Examine the bush or tree to determine which
side looks best, and where you want to position the best side.
-
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 , peat moss, and compost.
Keep the plant straight up while filling the hole.
-
After filling the hole, tamp down...firmly, but not hard on the soil. Tamping
down hard can break roots. If the soil sinks around the edges for the hole,
more soil can be added later.
-
Water thoroughly and deeply. We like to use a light solution of liquid fertilizer
or seaweed fertilizer at transplanting time.
-
Deeply water regularly. Keep the soil moist, not wet for 3-4 weeks. This
helps roots to re-establish themselves.
Tip: If transplanting during hot weather, provide a light shade for
your transplant for a few days. This minimizes wilting, and possible leaf
burn from the sun.
Related Topics:
Transplanting Lilacs
Transplantig Seedlings
Bird, Deer, and Rabbit Pest Netting - Don't
let critters eat the fruits of your hard earned labor.
Are Deer, Bunnies or birds feasting on your plants?
Brunch time is over.....period!
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