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How can I move mature shrubs
Doogie72
Posts: 62
Hello - I'm looking for some advice. Next year I plan to extend my new house and there are currently some lovely mature shrubs where the extension will be built. If possible I would like to try and save some of these. Theres a Magnolia stellata, a camilia and an ornamental cherry tree and couple of other smaller ones.
Does anyone have any techniques for moving these mature plants? When is the best time to move them - the extension foundations wont be doug until at least spring next year so I could move them in autumn - or wait until early spring next year. I read somewhere I could dig a circle around the shrub in the season before moving - has anyone ever done this with any success?
Any tips would be appreciated.
0
Posts
All of them as best moved in late November. They all might sulk for a while. Get as much root as possible and add lots of feed when replanting and keep watered and you will have given them the best start.
Do it in the winter months when the plants are dormant. Take as bit a root ball as possible. Prepare the new site before you lift the plant from its current location. Make sure you have something to move it on like a tarpaulin or similar so it can be pulled rather than lifted. Con as many friends as possible to be there to move the larger items.
Moved mature plants many times in all seasons, moving them now gives them warm months to settle and regrow. Always did the circle, no harder than just digging out. Water well first, trim off any loose growth or reduce the plant without killing it. Have the hole prepared then get it onto a plastic bag and drag it to the new position. Bed it in usually at the same root height it was before and water well for a week or so. It always worked for me, some of the mature shrubs have been all over the garden and still going strong.
Frank.
Thank you all for the tips. I think I will wait until autumn - if for no other reason than I don't fancy all that digging in hot weather! Now all I need to do in convince some friends to come and help