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Moving a Magnolia bush/tree

TerrysWorldTerrysWorld Posts: 174
in Problem solving
Magnolia 'Susan'. 

After last year's dry summer, I've decided to add another 210lt water butt in tandem with the current butt.

Problem I have, a Magnolia bush is close by.
Are magnolias deep or shallow rooted to move it, the bush planted approx 4 yrs ago. 

Thought now would be a good time to move it as the buds are just starting to form. 

thank
South Monmouthshire stuck in the middle between George and the Dragon

Posts

  • thevictorianthevictorian Posts: 1,279
    Magnolias are reported to suffer transplant shock because they are shallow rooted. Its my understanding they have different roots to most trees, more fleshy and brittle with masses of fine feeder roots. It's because of this that they suffer as it's impossible not to damage the roots no matter how careful you are. They can be moved but theres no guarantee of success.
    I looked into it when our nan passed and I wanted to save hers but it didn't look possible. If the trunk is still small, below 3-4" in diameter you might have luck but it would be easier to move the water butt. 
  • TerrysWorldTerrysWorld Posts: 174
    Thanks,
    Trunk is less than 2" in Dia.
    South Monmouthshire stuck in the middle between George and the Dragon
  • borgadrborgadr Posts: 718
    I was just reading Sarah Raven's book on Sissinghurst and she claims in there that magnolias are best planted in spring, rather than when they're dormant..  so I would assume to transplanting as well.
  • thevictorianthevictorian Posts: 1,279
    Magnolia susan can get to around 12ft and the same width wise. If you are at the stage where a water barrel is already impinging on that then it might be better in the long run to try and move it to somewhere with more space. Moving it will be a risk but if it doesn't have the space where it is then you would have to think about keeping it in check in the future anyway.
  • TerrysWorldTerrysWorld Posts: 174
    It appears my Magnolia has survived its move.
    Dug a 60cm x 30cm rootball, dug the new area alongside and put the spade under the rootball and slid over. Refilled the area and covered with composted bark to preserve the moisture.
    Has since flowered in its glory, so fingers crossed its ok.
    South Monmouthshire stuck in the middle between George and the Dragon
  • Mrs-B3-Southampton,-HantsMrs-B3-Southampton,-Hants Posts: 732
    @TerrysWorld Thanks for the update.
    Southampton 
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