Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to move a shrub and ensure its successful transition:
1. Timing: The best time to move a shrub is during its dormant season, which is typically in late autumn, winter, or early spring. Avoid moving it during extreme weather conditions or when the ground is frozen. With deciduous plants this is when the leaves have fallen away.
2. Preparing the new location: Choose a spot with similar sunlight, soil conditions, and drainage as the shrub’s current position. Dig a hole that is twice as wide and just as deep as the shrub’s root ball. Loosening the soil in the hole will help the roots establish more easily.
3. Watering: Several days before moving the shrub, thoroughly water it to hydrate the roots and minimize stress during the transition. This may not alway be practical, but always ensure that the plant is not dry.
4. Pruning: Trim back any excessive foliage or branches to reduce stress on the root system after transplanting. Leave some foliage intact to aid in photosynthesis.
5. Digging the shrub: With a sharp spade or shovel, carefully dig around the shrub’s drip line*, creating a wide root ball. Try to keep as many roots intact as possible. Lift the shrub using the root ball while minimizing any damage to the delicate roots.
6. Transplanting: Place the shrub in the prepared hole, making sure it sits at the same depth as it was previously. Backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the roots. Avoid air pockets by watering periodically while filling in the hole.
7. Watering and mulching: After transplanting, thoroughly water the shrub to settle the soil and encourage root establishment. Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base, leaving a gap around the stem to prevent rotting.
8. Aftercare: Monitor the shrub closely in the weeks following the move. Water regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Apply a 5cm depth of mulch around the base of the plant but maintain a mulch free area close to the trunk. Shield the shrub from extreme weather conditions or direct sunlight until it shows signs of new growth.
Remember, every shrub is unique, so it’s essential to research specific care requirements for the species you’re moving. Some plants such as Californian Lilac, Ceanothus, tend not to move easily. Proper planning and meticulous execution will increase the chances of a successful shrub transplant.
*The “drip line” is an imaginary line marking the outermost reach of the foliage or branches. It represents the area where rainfall or irrigation water drips off the leaves and falls to the ground. The drip line typically corresponds to the edge of the tree’s canopy or the outermost branches of a shrub. When digging around a shrub or tree, it’s common to use the drip line as a guideline to ensure that the root ball is excavated properly and helps maintain the integrity of the root system during transplantation.
Ciaran The Gardener 