Transplanting Trees and Shrubs: Timing and Technique

Transplanting Trees and Shrubs: Timing and Technique

Early spring, while plants are dormant, is the ideal transplant window. Transplanting an active plant is like surgery on a waking patient—traumatic and often fatal.

When to Transplant

Dormancy begins with a hard freeze in fall and ends when buds swell in spring. Transplant anytime before leaf-out. Green, swollen buds are okay; developed leaves mean wait until fall.

Root Ball Size

Whenever possible, dig a soil ball. Rule: 12 inches of root ball diameter per 1 inch of stem caliper. A 2-inch stem needs a 24-inch ball. If bare-rooting, keep roots damp and minimize air exposure.

Root Pruning Benefits

Cutting roots during transplant stimulates fibrous lateral roots that absorb water and nutrients better. Some nurseries undercut roots with a tractor a year before digging to create a denser root system. You can root-prune a struggling landscape plant in dormancy to rejuvenate it.

Replanting

Eliminate air pockets when backfilling. Water thoroughly. The plant will develop new roots and establish more successfully with a proper root ball and minimal top growth loss.