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Advice on moving a mature Bay Tree

c_watkinsc_watkins Posts: 53
in Problem solving
Hello! 

I would like to move a bay tree which is multi stemmed - several trees?) and about ten feet high, very healthy but in the wrong place.

I understand that it should be moved in the autumn, but am wondering how much to dig around it in order not to damage the roots, and also if it's feasible at all as I really don't want to kill it.
Many thanks for your help. 😊


Posts

  • Allotment BoyAllotment Boy Posts: 6,774
    The best way to move a mauture specimen like this is to dig a trench round it at least as far out as the outer branches. Then back fill the trench with a lighter mix of 50:50 soil / multipurpose compost or similar. This will break some outer roots but the tree should survive. Keep well watered this summer, then in autumn prepare your new planting position.  Then dig up the bay get it onto a tarpaulin or similar & get it straight to it's new home. You will need help unless you have a mini digger or similar. They did this last year on the Beechgrove Garden series. Good luck!
    AB Still learning

  • mike164mike164 Posts: 13
    I moved a large bay last autumn by digging around the base with a mini digger at about 5ft from the group of main stems and down about 4 ft.  I was able to get lifting straps under the root ball and then lifted with the excavator using it like a crane moving it to a pre-prepared hole. I back filled with plenty of horse manure mixed with the soil from the hole it was going to, gave it a good watering and crossed my fingers. No idea if that's the right way to do it but it's looking very healthy and has signs of new growth coming through. 
  • PosyPosy Posts: 3,601
    My bay tree seeds around my garden and yours is much younger and healthier so it probably does, too. I'd be inclined to hunt down some seedlings, pot them up and nurture them, just to be on the safe side.
  • c_watkinsc_watkins Posts: 53
    Thank you very much everyone for your replies and advice - I'll take it all on board and as we are planning to landscape the garden, in stages, the mini digger will be available to move the bay. Cheers!
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