Forum home› Plants
This Forum will close on Wednesday 27 March, 2024. Please refer to the announcement on the Discussions page for further detail.

Can I move this acer?

KamoKamo Posts: 41
in Plants

I have a large acer that I would like to move but I'm worried doing so might kill it. It has fairly large roots and has a spread that is over a metre. 

I'd appreciate any advice on how to move it and if it is safe to do so. Hopefully the photos below give an idea of size.

Thanks in advance

image

image

Posts

  • PerkiPerki Posts: 2,527

    Of course you can move it, best to do it when its dormant though I am sure I can see some buds. If you must move it now best to get as much root ball as possible, gve it plenty of water. 

  • KamoKamo Posts: 41

    Thanks it is starting to bud so I'll try and prune it a bit. Do I need to give it any kind of food to help the roots re-establish? I should have tried to move it sooner, we are redesigning the garden but I haven't had a chance to start it yet!

  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,088

    Make sure you give its roots a thorough soaking and have a new planting hole already prepared so it isn't sitting around getting even more stressed.   Make sure it's planted at teh same level as before and keep it watered throughout this coming season and sheltered from wind as this will "burn" the leaves.

    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • KamoKamo Posts: 41

    How far and deep do the roots normally go? The tree has a spread nearly 2m wide. I'm just preparing the hole for it's new position.

  • JudithSteadmanJones473JudithSteadmanJones473 Posts: 3
    Talking of Acers, we have one that has outgrown and split a large pot.  It is about six feet tall and nearly two metres wide. 
    It has grown a taproot through the hole at the bottom of the container a couple of years ago so we can't move it. We need to know if it is possible to cut the taproot and replant in the garden. I love it to bits so will do anything to preserve.it.
  • Mary370Mary370 Posts: 2,003
    I don't really think it would be a good idea to cut the taproot..............

  • tessagardenbarmytessagardenbarmy Posts: 346
    Hi Judith. When I moved house 4 years ago my largest acer had grown through bottom of pot and I had to saw off the tap root to take it with me.I also reluctantly pruned it back a bit as it was in full leaf. It needed lots of tlc and water but it survived and is doing well.
Sign In or Register to comment.