Making Moves In Landscaping

Jimmie Gibson

11 years ago

How to Transplant — Transplanting Trees and Shrubs

Transplanting young trees and shrubs that you have just purchased from a nursery appears an easy task — deceptively so! Many new plants die because they’re not planted properly. Likewise, if you’re about to give a facelift to a landscape design that has been neglected for years, then you will need to move existing plant matter, whether for relocation or for disposal. If you opt for transplanting the trees and shrubs, you must take steps to improve the likelihood of survival.

Here’s How:

Location, location, location! First determine whether the tree or shrub likes sun or shade, and what its spacing and watering requirements are. For instance, don’t locate a plant that craves water next to one that prefers dry conditions: Their needs will be incompatible.

Dig the new hole before you dig up the tree or shrub. Once you dig up the plant, the longer its roots go without a home, the lower your chances for successful transplanting.

Measure the width and depth of the rootball. The width of the new hole should be two to three times that of the rootball. The depth should be kept the same as that of the rootball. If anything, make it a bit shallower, to avoid puddling and consequent rotting.

When you reach the bottom of the hole, resist the temptation to break up the soil beneath. You would think that this would help the tree or shrub, allowing its roots to penetrate deeper. Instead, it could cause the tree or shrub to sink, inviting rot.

Begin digging out the tree or shrub selected for transplanting. But don’t start digging right at the base of a mature tree or shrub. Rather, start digging about 3′ out from the base, all along the perimeter. Get a feel for where the main mass of roots lies. Also, begin to judge what the weight will be of plant + roots + soil clinging to roots. You may need someone to help lift it!

The idea is to keep as much of the rootball (roots + soil) as intact as possible. But the larger the plant is, the chances of getting anything close to the entire rootball will diminish — and you wouldn’t be able to carry it anyhow! Usually, you will have to cut through some roots on a mature plant (either with a sharp shovel or with pruners — make a good, clean cut).

Once you’ve removed enough soil from around the sides of the plant, you’ll eventually be able to slip your shovel under it and begin to loosen the plant’s grip on the soil below it. After it’s loose, spread a tarp on the ground nearby and gently move the tree or shrub onto the tarp.

Using the tarp as a transporting medium, drag the tree or shrub over to the new hole (dug in steps 1-4). Gently slide it into the hole, and get it straight. Shovel the excavated soil back into the hole. Tamp this soil down firmly and water it as you go, to eliminate air pockets. The formation of air pockets would cause the tree or shrub to sink, inviting puddling and consequent rot.

Mound up the soil in a ring around the newly transplanted tree or shrub, forming a berm that will catch water like a basin. This will help you achieve your main objective from here on out — keeping the new transplant’s roots well watered until it becomes established.

Spread a 3″ layer of mulch around the new transplant. But keep it a few inches away from the base of the tree or shrub, to promote air circulation and so as not to invite rodents from nibbling on the trunk. Rodents become emboldened by the cover mulch provides.

Then water, water, water. The first summer would be a difficult one for the tree or shrub to weather unless it gets plenty of water.

Tips:

When should you conduct your transplanting? For most trees and shrubs late winter or early spring are the best times for transplanting. Fall would be the second best time. In summer it’s not advisable (too hot). In the dead of winter, it’s almost impossible (in the North) — unless you’ve done all your digging ahead of time (before the ground freezes).

The time given for most transplanting projects is 2 hours. However, that will depend greatly on the circumstances. To dig a mature tree or shrub out of rocky soil (especially in cramped quarters) is back-breaking work. How long it takes you will largely depend on your health and on how much you’re willing to push yourself.

What You Need:

Pointed Shovel

Tarps

Measuring Tape

Pruners

Garden Hose

Mulch

Question: Jimmie, I have decided to work on my own Landscape plan. How would you suggest I begin planning? Thanks so much for all your columns, they are really informative! Julie P. in Prosper

Answer: Hi Julie, on paper. Take precise measurements of the areas of your yard, and draw a sketch of your property. Highlight in red areas with underground cables (with the help of your local utility companies). Note which areas are sunny, which shady. Pay special attention to problem areas: areas with poor drainage, erosion problems, etc. As you set this information down on paper, a clearer picture of what needs to be done emerges.
Based on your sketch (particularly the location of sunny or shady areas), research which plants will grow best in the various areas of your property.

The next step — again, to be carried out on paper — will be to include plants and hardscape features (patios, walkways, etc.) in your sketch. And if this seems a little overwhelming, you can always call me! We offer consulting services for do-it-yourselfers like you! Just go to the website until next time…Happy Gardening!!