The Gardener's Almanac

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Shrub & Tree Transplanting

 

Firstly prepare the new planting site in advance of lifting.


When lifting the plant/s, it is important to retain as many roots as possible.

 

Excavate a trench wide enough to allow plenty of room for undercutting the root ball.

 

A wide trench is also useful when you come to slip a sheet of plastic or sacking under the root ball.

 

 

Trim back any damaged roots with sharp secateurs or knife.

 

Bind wrapping around the root ball and secure with strong string this will prevent undue soil disturbance.

 

 

Heavy root balls are best moved on a plank and rollers.

 


Set the plant in a generous hole so that the top of the root ball is just below or level with the soil surface.

 

Untie wrapping, but leave it under root ball, if the soil looks like crumbling away.

 

 

Backfill the trench by 'treading in' the soil with your feet to avoid wind rock.

 

Incorporate a slow release fertiliser, e.g. Bonemeal and well rotted manure or compost at the same time.

 

If bad weather delays replanting, keep the root ball in good condition by periodically moistening the sacking or plunging it in moist peat.

 

 

 

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Copyright © Updated 2011