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Moving an established bay tree bush

melaniejanerichmelaniejanerich Posts: 3
in Problem solving
I have had to move a bay tree bush that was placed by a previous owner in a very awkward position. Before removal, I dug a new hole, fertilised the hole with blood, fish and bone and watered it well. I then watered the bay tree in its original position before digging it up. 90% of the roots came out without damage, however, one root, a large one had disappeared under a concrete path, I had no option but to cut it. I coated it in a fungicide to protect it, the root that is! Now 2 weeks later, there is no sign of recovery, some informative neighbour suggested that I prune it hard, but I am concerned that one traumatic experience is probably enough. Help please.

Posts

  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    It's probably trying to get it's roots established. The tiny fine roots that take up water will have been damaged to some extent even if you managed to lift a good solid block of soil around the roots. While it does that, it won't put on new growth and might wilt and drop leaves if there's too much top growth to support, so your neighbour is right that removing some would help to reduce its burden. The main thing is to keep it well watered, particularly if it's hot and dry where you are but it'll probably need some even if you get rain.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • melaniejanerichmelaniejanerich Posts: 3
    Thanks Jenny, I have watered it every morning since it’s move around 5.30 am, before the sun hits it around 11am, I will prune it back today, would it benefit from a feed, or have I done enough for the time being?
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340
    edited August 2020
    I agree - cut it right back so that the roots aren't over stressed.
    Even if you cut the whole thing down to 1ft it'll shoot up again once it settles in - just keep it watered. No need for feed until it has settled in.
    It worked for my 10yr old bay

    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • JennyJJennyJ Posts: 10,576
    Don't feed until it's growing strongly (it would be like giving a big rich meal to a sick person). Given that you put BFB in when you moved it, it shouldn't need any more feed until next spring and then only what you would normally put on your beds and borders.
    Doncaster, South Yorkshire. Soil type: sandy, well-drained
  • melaniejanerichmelaniejanerich Posts: 3
    Thanks guys, I will prune hard, keep watering and keep my fingers crossed. Plus side is, I have just cut it back a little and was surprised by the green growth inside! Maybe I’m not such a cruel person. Thanks 🤩🤩
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