How to Transplant Trees or Shrubs
Transplanting is easier than you might think, but it’s all about a few key factors. Remember that when you transplant it is essentially like creating a new plant, especially if you dramatically reduced its root system. Water and starter fertilizer will be critical to its success.
- When can I transplant?
- Transplanting can be done in two seasons Early to Mid-Spring and Early to Mid-Fall.
- Moving plants during this time makes sure that we have viable water for the plants to use when we shock them.
- What do I need to do in order to transplant?
- Prepare before you transplant by watering your plant for one full week to fully saturate the root system.
- Have your Holganix Bloom on hand to spray on the root system after you have transplanted, planting mix
- Have a sharp flat bladed shovel (Flat Spade), hose to water, a burlap square the size of the root ball desired, hatchet or something to cut roots
- Transplant Time
- To begin, measure the height and the width of the plant.
- The root system will extend twice the width of the height of the plant
- Your new root system should be the closest you can get to twice the width as possible.
- Begin to go around the circumference of the plant with the spade
- After begin to slice deeper into the root back working toward the center of the plant
- Some plants have tap roots so it may be harder to get out
- This is where a hatchet comes in handy
- After a while you will be able to move the plant if you push on it.
- Note that the plant can be very heavy so have people to help you or ways to help yourself
- Sometimes tying up the plant with twine is a good way to have an easier time handling it in this step
- Place your burlap square close to the transplant and move it onto the fabric
- Tie the burlap around the base of the root system.
- If you have Sod Stakes, they come in handy if you have a very shallow root system like a Rhododendron.
- Use the sod stakes to hold the burlap in place.
- Gently press the sod stakes into the fibrous roots.
- Eventually you will be able to let go of the burlap and it will be held by the sod stakes
- Find your new location for your plant
- Since you have the plant out of the ground
- Use your spade shovel to gauge the depth of the hole
- Move your transplant to your new location and use some new planting mix to combine with the existing soil
- After the plant is in the ground and level
- Being to fill in with the new planting mix/existing soil
- Pack the soil in with your shovel and pack with your hands
- Make sure the soil is not covering the root flare of the plant
- If you do, the soil will suffocate the plant from breathing
- The root flare is the lowest point on the stem that gradually becomes the roots
- Often this will look like a quarter loop
- Water the soil and root system in with your hose or soaker hose
- Apply Holganix after you watered the plant since it works the best at maximum saturation
- Remove the rope from the plant and clean up your site
- After the plant is in the ground and level
- Since you have the plant out of the ground
- Some plants have tap roots so it may be harder to get out
- The root system will extend twice the width of the height of the plant
- To begin, measure the height and the width of the plant.
- Congratulations you have just learned how to transplant a shrub or tree!
- Continue to water your transplanted shrub regularly!