“Extension’s Successful Gardener”
MOVING PLANTS

By: Kevin Starr
N.C. Cooperative Extension Service

Sometimes, we find that we need or want to move a landscape plant from one spot to another. The safest time to move plants is when they are dormant from late fall through the winter. However, evergreen plants can be moved during the growing season. Your degree of success will depend on several factors. One is how good a job you can do digging the plant with an intact ball of soil and roots. Plants with extremely fibrous root systems such as azaleas are easier to dig than shrubs like Japanese hollies. Make sure there is adequate soil moisture prior to digging and re-planting in the new site. Naturally, a plant which has been moved is going to need tender, loving care when it comes to mulching and watering. Common sense also tells us to try and avoid moving plants during the hottest, most stressful parts of the summer.

Deciduous plants are another story altogether. “Deciduous” simply refers to plants that lose their leaves in the fall. Professionals occasionally move deciduous plants during the growing season using a mechanical tree spade. However, homeowners should not attempt moving such plants when their leaves are out. Attempts to do this almost always meet with failure. Wait until these plants lose their leaves in late fall before attempting the move.

How about herbaceous perennials such as hosta? I’ve found that a good time to transplant these is to wait until the first traces of new growth come up in late winter.

You can see exactly where the plant is and you can also tell where to divide the plant if that is your goal. Of course, some perennials such as bearded iris are so tough that you aren’t likely to have a problem. I once dug up some iris at the house and threw them at the base of a brush pile. Many of them lived a long time in this state and a few even took root. All plants should be that tough.

Regardless of what type of plant you’re moving, it’s always easier if the plant is smaller. It’s amazing how large a tree can be moved by a professional with the right equipment. But since most of us are working with a shovel, try to move the plant before it gets too big. Some larger plants will be easier to move if you prune the top prior to pruning. The severity of the pruning should be based on the type of plant and the time of year. Remember that some plants such as junipers don’t tolerate severe pruning.

All gardeners have to move plants at one time or another. Sometimes we need to do it at less than ideal times. But I hope these guidelines will be helpful to you. If you need to ask specific questions, don’t hesitate to call Cooperative Extension at 704-736-8452.
degree of success will depend on several factors. One is how good a job you can do digging the plant with an intact ball of soil and roots. Plants with extremely fibrous root systems such as azaleas are easier to dig than shrubs like Japanese hollies. Make sure there is adequate soil moisture prior to digging and re-planting in the new site. Naturally, a plant which has been moved is going to need tender, loving care when it comes to mulching and watering. Common sense also tells us to try and avoid moving plants during the hottest, most stressful parts of the summer.

Deciduous plants are another story altogether. “Deciduous” simply refers to plants that lose their leaves in the fall. Professionals occasionally move deciduous plants during the growing season using a mechanical tree spade. However, homeowners should not attempt moving such plants when their leaves are out. Attempts to do this almost always meet with failure. Wait until these plants lose their leaves in late fall before attempting the move.

How about herbaceous perennials such as hosta? I’ve found that a good time to transplant these is to wait until the first traces of new growth come up in late winter.

You can see exactly where the plant is and you can also tell where to divide the plant if that is your goal. Of course, some perennials such as bearded iris are so tough that you aren’t likely to have a problem. I once dug up some iris at the house and threw them at the base of a brush pile. Many of them lived a long time in this state and a few even took root. All plants should be that tough.

Regardless of what type of plant you’re moving, it’s always easier if the plant is smaller. It’s amazing how large a tree can be moved by a professional with the right equipment. But since most of us are working with a shovel, try to move the plant before it gets too big. Some larger plants will be easier to move if you prune the top prior to pruning. The severity of the pruning should be based on the type of plant and the time of year. Remember that some plants such as junipers don’t tolerate severe pruning.

All gardeners have to move plants at one time or another. Sometimes we need to do it at less than ideal times. But I hope these guidelines will be helpful to you. If you need to ask specific questions, don’t hesitate to call Cooperative Extension at 704-736-8452.