There are many reasons you may want to move a plant that is in you yard. Perhaps it needs more sun, or the opposite, needs more shade. Maybe you are tired of trimming the Viburnum your builder put next to your window and you rather have it in the backyard where it can grow and give you some privacy. No matter the reason, there are a few simple tricks to help ensure your plant thrives in years to come.
- Water the day before you plan on transplanting. This will make sure the plant is hydrated before the stress, that the roots will adhere to the soil, and will make it easier to dig!
- Dig the hole in the spot where you wish your plan to be moved to, making sure it is at least double the size of the existing root system. This will allow the roots to move easily through the loosened soil and have an easier time establishing.
- Push your shovel into the ground around the entire plant’s root system and gently lift it out of the soil, trying to preserve as much of the roots as possible. Never leave the root system exposed for too long as the sun, wind, and heat can cause damage quickly.
- Place the plant in the hole. The soil level of the plant should be slightly higher than the ground level. Planting the tree or shrub to low in the ground is one of the main causes of root rot and disease.
- Water daily (unless there is rain) to ensure a successful transplant!
