What to Do When a Healthy Plant is in the Wrong Spot
Sometimes a tree or shrub is planted with the best of intentions. But, over time, it may outgrow the space. Other times, conditions change, and the location no longer suits the plant. Instead of removing a healthy plant, consider transplanting it. This approach gives it a second chance in a better spot. However, before you begin, there are important steps to take.
Understand the Impact
Transplanting is hard work and stressful for the plant. During digging, you may lose up to 90% of the roots. These roots are critical – they supply water and anchor the plant. Therefore, preserving as much of the root system as possible is essential for survival.
Prepare the Plant
Nurseries often ‘root prune’ trees to encourage more feeder roots near the trunk. This makes transplanting easier. In a home landscape, you likely won’t have years to prepare. However, you can still help. Begin by watering the plant deeply in the weeks leading up to the move. This keeps the roots hydrated and reduces shock.
Pick the Right Time
Timing is critical. Avoid moving plants during active growth, especially in early spring. New growth is tender and easily damaged. In addition, some trees – like birches, beeches, and oaks – are known as fall digging hazards. They often don’t survive fall transplants. As a result, the best time to transplant is during dormancy in winter, as long as the ground isn’t frozen.
Dig with Care
When you’re ready to dig go big. A larger root ball captures more roots and improves the odds of success. A general rule: for every inch of trunk diameter, dig a root ball 10 inches wide. To hold the root ball together, wrap it in burlap and ‘drumlace’ the ball with sisal (twine). Any roots that are cut during the process should be cut clean with pruners or a pruning saw. If access allows, consider using a tree spade for larger trees. This equipment can preserve much more of the root zone than hand digging.
Replanting
Once you’re ready to replant, choose the new spot carefully. Pick a location where the plant can stay long-term. Next, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball. This gives the roots space to grow. Avoid planting too deep. Instead, place the plant at the same height—or slightly higher—than before. Then, build a water well around the edge of the root ball. This helps hold water in place. After planting, soak the root zone thoroughly. The plant has lost many roots and needs plenty of water. If the plant wobbles or leans, stake it for extra support until it re-establishes.
After Care
Now that the plant is in the ground, it needs special care to recover. Water deeply and often. With fewer roots, the plant struggles to absorb enough moisture. If it’s an evergreen, apply anti-desiccant spray in winter. This helps prevent drying from cold winds. Only remove dead or damaged branches after transplanting. Avoid extra pruning—it adds unnecessary stress. With proper aftercare, your plant can settle into its new home and thrive for years to come.
If the transplanting job is too big for you to handle, you may want to consider having the Hicks Landscapes team do the work, or start with a new plant from Hicks Nurseries wonderful selection of plants.
Additional Resources:
Pruning with Purpose
How to Plant
Watering the right Way