How to Move a Large Shrub or Tree
Most plants can be moved successfully provided that you are able to dig out a large enough (specifically wide enough) root ball. This can be very hard to do if the tree is large because a sufficiently large enough root ball may need to be lifted mechanically - with a crane or some such.
Some plants are easier to move than others. Those with a fibrous root system are generally easier to move. Camellias, azaleas, deciduous trees and palms can generally be transplanted relatively easily. Some plants will resent the disruption to their roots and the change of location and will die. Moving trees is always a bit of a gamble, so choosing the correct location in the first place is the best policy. (When you plant trees and large shrubs, always take into consideration the possibility of future renovations or extensions to your home.) If you have time on your side, then there are things you can do that can increase the likelihood of successfully moving a plant.

Root Pruning (see pic at bottom of page)

Firstly, decide on the diameter of the root-ball that you can realistically hope to move. Mark a circle around the plant at this point. (A can of spray paint is quite useful.) Then draw a concentric circle about 30cm further out. Divide this circular band into 6 or 8 sections depending on its size. Using a very sharp spade, dig out each alternate section to a depth of about 30cm severing all the roots. Cut some pieces of heavy plastic and line the inner edges of the sections, leaving the plastic exposed a few centimetres above soil level. Fill the soil back in. Water well and apply seaweed solution. Eight weeks later, repeat the process with the remainder of the sections. This should be done 6-8 weeks before the plant is moved. This process is designed to stimulate a whole lot of new roots closer to the trunk so that transplant shock will be reduced.

Moving the Plant

Make sure that you prepare the planting hole well before digging up the tree. Preferably choose a mild cloudy day. Water the plant very deeply and well the day prior to transplanting. Dig the soil out from the circular band. Dig down on one side, severing roots as you go. Slip some very heavy duty plastic under the root ball. Dig down from the other side until all the roots have been cut. Tip the tree gently to the side and pull the plastic through under the rootball . Pull the plastic up and tie it around the trunk like a large plum pudding,

Replanting

Move the tree into position in the planting hole without delay. Don't lift it by the trunk, but call in all the troops to help lift it by the root ball. Undo the plastic and tip the tree to one side to slide the plastic down as far as possible, then tip it to the other side and gently tug the plastic away and out of the hole. Check to see that the tree trunk is perpendicular to the ground - check from all angles. Backfill, firming the soil with your hands as you go. Water the whole area (not just the planting hole) very well immediately. Do not apply fertiliser but an application of Seasol at this time may help to stimulate root growth and reduce transplant shock. Cover the area with mulch, taking care to keep it well clear of the trunk. Water diligently for the first season after transplanting.

Timing

Transplant deciduous trees in winter. For other trees the best time to transplant is in spring, or failing that, autumn. Try not to transplant in the height of summer. It was once considered a good idea to prune back at transplanting, but this is no longer regarded as good practice.

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