In The Garden: Transplanting Trees

Early spring is a great time to move any underperforming plants to another part of the garden, as they are generally in a growth lull coming out of winter, and if moved before they go berserk later in spring, can get by without realising they've been moved at all.(I actually moved this tree over a month ago, but have only just got around to writing about it!) We were given a gorgeous crab apple tree when Isy was christened, and planted it in the backyard, near the fence. Being the amateurs we were, we planted it close to the clothesline. It actually grows to be a pretty large tree, so we figured we needed to move it to somewhere a little more appropriate in the garden.To transplant it:

1. I dug a square hole big and deep enough to accommodate the root ball of the tree. I almost avoided those two sneaky drainage pipes that were hiding under the grass too!

Interesting fact: When planting a new plant, dig a square hole rather than a round one. A round hole basically acts like a large pot and the roots will often grow around and around the edges of the hole, becoming rootbound. A square hole gives more opportunity for the roots to extend out into the soil.

2. I pruned back any damaged or poor performing branches on the tree and dug around the base, keeping as much of the root ball in tact as possible.

3. Using a long-handled shovel, I levered the tree out of the ground, trying to minimise damage to the roots.

4. I trimmed the roots and removed any damaged ones, using secateurs.

5. I made a small mound of soil in the base of the hole, and placed the tree on top, gentlty spreading the roots over the mound. (This apparently improves drainage).

6. I backfilled the hole, pressing the soil around the base.

7. Watered in, gave a dose of Seasol and mulched around the base.

That was over a month ago and the tree is looking better than it ever has. It's started to sprout new growth and is stable in its new home. I've just kept the water up to it and given regular doses of Seasol, to get the roots growing again.(I actually finished the hole with a border of recycled bricks, to stop the trunk from being damaged when we mow the lawns.)