Question
Hi Nick
I have a five foot tree fern growing out of a small brick retainer and a concrete pathway. What is the best way to minimise damage of the root system during removal to make it suitable for transplanting ?

Answer
Hi Chris, if I understand this correctly, then you have no choice but to crack about 2 feet of retainer and pathway back so as to expose the soil underneath; you need to do this if you want to lift the root ball with as little stress to secondary roots as possible. I am assuming that the trunk of the fern is coming right out of cement? Then no other choice but to free it by removing about 2 feet of the paved area. If you just pull it out, then I guarantee failure, the roots will be irreparably damaged in the process. Nick