Transplanting established trees is not an easy task for gardeners. When uprooted, any plant has a very high tendency to suffer some measure of stress. In addition, this job may be so intimidating to an amateur. However, with good preparation and careful attention to some of the recommended transplanting practices, the work becomes easier, consumes less time and lessens the transplanting shock that the trees would have suffered. In any case, moving established trees is one sure way of improving your landscape while saving money and time.

Root pruning

For the plants to grow well, you need to keep most of the roots within a small area. As such, the roots have to be pruned in the spring or fall prior to transplanting. If you have to move plants in the fall or in the spring, root pruning has to be done at least six months before the date of transplanting. This is especially after deciduous plants have shed their leaves in the fall and their buds have broken in the spring. Doing this at other times may severely damage the plants and if not done, they may lose roots and possibly die from transplant shock.

Timing

In essence, the type of plants will determine the optimum time at which established trees should be moved. Deciduous plants are best moved from late October to the well advanced stages of March - a period that is considered highly dormant. On the other hand, evergreen plants are best moved when the soil is warming up, allowing quick re-establishment of the roots. This period is usually either in October or late March.

The actual moving

It is advisable to prepare mature plants a year before the actual transplanting. Lifting and moving can be done by first carefully watering the area of soil around the plant a day before. It is also important to explore the extent of the root system by digging. The roots are kept covered as you transfer the plant on a sack that is damp to prevent them from drying. If possible, the lifting and replanting should be done in one operation for the best results.

Watering replanted plants

For the best survival of your established trees, you need to find out the features of the ground on which you are moving your plants. This will help you know the amount of water you need for watering your plants, bearing in mind the drainage and water retention properties of the soil. This will be vital in avoiding the death of plants either due to too much or too little water.

Mulching

Once you are through transplanting, find an effective way to conserve the moisture around the plant's root system. This is best done by keeping mulch around the plant. Note that with mulch, it is not just the moisture that is conserved; it also moderates extreme temperatures and reduces weeds to enhance the health of the plant. The mulch can be a thick layer of organic matter and should be kept off the base of the plant.