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Moving small trees and shrubs
Topcat3
Posts: 1
I'm moving house next week and want to take my 5ft Magnolia, 4ft Camelia and 3ft Skimmia with me to my new garden. Does anyone have any tips for digging up, correct root ball size, transporting ideas, how quickly I need to plant at the other end and will they sulk and potentially not flower next year? 
0
Posts
Take as much root ball as you can Topcat3, The magnolia will probably be the most difficult to lift. Start a foot away from the main stem with all of them and you'll either have to go closer of further away depending on how well rooted they are. If you have sacking wrap them in it and plant as soon as you move in to your new place. The ground is cooling rapidly now and low temperatures are set to continue. Mulch them heavily when replanted, it's forecast to be a dry but very cold winter. If it is as forecast they may well sulk next year so when spring does come feed them and prune them to encourage new root growth. You may find they won't be in the right place later next year, so if there is spare ground it may be an idea to pop them there for the winter and review their position next year. Water them in after planting and keep an eye on them over winter.
Is this rented property or are you selling it? If selling then there are legal steps you have to take before removing any plants .
Just thought I'd mention it - don't want you to have any problems
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Agree with all the above. I have moved Magnolia a few times and the worst that does is set it back a little next season and you may not get flowers in spring.
I would notice a 5ft shrub leaving my garden, so if you have sold your home, the new people will also notice, thought tbh unless there is a pic of it, it will be difficult to prove.