Fall is for Planting and Transplanting Trees and Shrubs

We’ve told you why fall is a great time for planting new trees and shrubs here, but did you know that now is still a good time to transplant trees and shrubs? Once all this ice is gone, of course!

Did you plant a tree in a space too small for the tree’s mature size?
Or maybe you have a Japanese Maple in an area of the landscape where it
receives too much sun. Now would be a good time to move the tree to a
place better suited to its needs. We recommend that if you need to
transplant a tree with a trunk diameter of 3” or larger, that you leave
that to professionals like us.

For smaller shrubs and trees, such as roses, small Japanese Maples, or Texas Sage, we recommend these 5 easy steps:

1. Pick a better-suited space for your tree or shrub.
   Remember that right now, most trees have dropped their leaves so if you
   are planning on putting that lovely rose bush under an Oak with bare
   branches, those same branches will be dense with leaves in summer to
   keep the much needed sun from your rose plant.
2. Dig your hole before digging up your plant.
   Estimate the size of the plant’s root ball by digging around the plant a
   bit to see how far out the larger roots grow. The new hole should be
   twice as wide and just as deep as the root ball.
3. Dig up your plant.
   The goal is to get as much of the root ball as possible. Dig gently
   about 3 feet out from the base of the plant and dig inwards. Slide your
   shovel under the larger roots to begin to lift the plant up. You will
   more than likely cut through many smaller roots. The plant’s feeder
   roots are located in the top few inches of the soil so be very careful
   with that part of the root ball.
4. You may need another person to help lift the plant.
   Place on a tarp to move the plant to its new home and gently place into
   the hole. Backfill with the native soil you just dug out. Topdress with
   mulch and water in with organic root stimulator.
5. Maintain!
   Be sure to water your newly transplanted tree or shrub regularly and
   add root stimulator once a month for the next few months to help the
   roots establish in good health.

Do you have a tree or shrub that must be moved? January and February are great times to transplant, so give us a call.