How to Successfully Transplant Large Plants

Much akin to the shuffling of a chess board, moving large, mature plants within your garden often becomes an imperative part of the grand gardening strategy. Whether it’s a landscape redesign, prevention of overcrowding, or shifting a plant to a more suitable location, transplanting large plants is sometimes unavoidable. But fear not! Even though these garden giants represent a considerable investment of time and care, they can be successfully relocated with a touch of patience, some sturdy gloves, and a little know-how.

When and Why Do Large Plants Need Transplanting?

What Situations Require the Transplanting of Large Plants?

There are numerous circumstances where you might need to transplant large plants in your garden:

Landscape Redesign: A new vision for your garden might necessitate the move of large plants. Perhaps a certain tree or shrub would better serve your landscape’s flow or visual balance in a different location.
Overcrowding: Plants, much like us, need their personal space. If a tree or shrub has grown larger than you anticipated and it’s crowding out its neighbors, it might be time to give it a new home.
Changed Conditions: If changes in your garden’s environment—such as increased shade from buildings or other plants, or alterations to soil or drainage—have made a location unsuitable for a plant, moving it could be the best solution.
Plant Health: If a large plant is struggling in its current location, it may benefit from being moved to a site with more suitable light, soil, or moisture conditions.

When planning to move a large plant, consider the plant’s age, size, and health, and be realistic about your physical capabilities and available resources. Transplanting large plants can be physically demanding, and in some cases, professional help may be needed.

When is the Best Time to Transplant Large Plants?

The timing of the transplant is crucial for the success of the operation and varies depending on the plant species and local climate. However, a few general rules apply:

Late Winter to Early Spring: This is often the best time to transplant many deciduous trees and shrubs. The plants are still dormant, but the increasing light and warmth of approaching spring will soon spur them into growth, helping them recover from the move.
Autumn: Many evergreens prefer to be moved in early autumn. At this time, the soil is still warm from summer, which encourages root growth, but the cooler air reduces the demand for water and the risk of desiccation.

Avoid transplanting in the height of summer, when heat and drought can cause severe stress to plants. Similarly, avoid the deep winter, when the ground might be frozen.

How to Prepare a Large Plant for Transplanting?

What Preparations Are Required for Transplanting Large Plants?

Proper preparation is vital to reduce the shock of moving to the plant and to maximize your chances of a successful transplant. Here’s what you need to do:

Root Pruning: For very large plants, root pruning should ideally be done a year in advance of the actual move. This involves severing the roots around the plant to encourage the growth of new feeder roots closer to the trunk, which will be moved with the plant. Using a spade, cut a trench around the plant to the depth and diameter that you plan for the final root ball. Fill the trench back in with the excavated soil.
Pre-move Care: In the weeks leading up to the move, ensure the plant is well-watered and healthy. This will help it cope better with the stress of the move. Avoid fertilizing at this stage as it can encourage tender new growth which is more vulnerable to transplant shock.
Prepare the New Site: Before you start digging up your plant, prepare the new planting hole. This should be 2-3 times as wide as the anticipated root ball, but no deeper than the plant was originally growing. Add any required soil amendments, considering the specific needs of the plant species.

How Can You Safely Extract a Large Plant for Transplanting?

Transplanting a large plant involves much of the same technique as for a smaller one, but the scale of the operation means extra care must be taken.

Define the Root Ball: Use a sharp spade to cut a circle around the plant, about as wide as the drip line (the outer edge of the branches). The depth will depend on the plant but aim for at least 1 foot deep for most large shrubs and small trees.
Dig the Trench: Next, dig a trench around the defined root ball. As you dig, undercut the root ball to create a ball shape that will stay together during the move.
Prepare the Plant for Moving: Wrap the root ball in burlap and secure it with twine. This will help hold the soil and roots together. If the plant is extremely large, you may need to use a tree dolly, or even a crane for the largest specimens, to move the plant without damaging it.
Lift the Plant: Lever the plant out of the ground using the spade, taking care not to damage the root ball. Always lift from beneath the root ball, never by the trunk or stems.

How to Plant a Transplanted Large Plant?

Techniques Ensure Successful Planting of Large Transplants?

Place the Plant: Position your plant in the center of the prepared hole. The top of the root ball should be level with or slightly above the surrounding soil to allow for settling and prevent waterlogging.
Check the Orientation: Rotate the plant as necessary to position it at its most attractive angle.
Backfill the Hole: Backfill around the root ball with the excavated soil, firming it gently as you go. Avoid adding soil on top of the root ball as this can inhibit oxygen exchange to the roots.
Water Thoroughly: Once planted, water the plant thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate any air pockets.
Add Mulch: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around the plant, but not touching the trunk, to conserve moisture and suppress weeds.

What Common Mistakes Should Be Avoided?

Planting Too Deep: This is one of the most common mistakes. The top of the root ball should be level with the ground or slightly above. Planting too deep can cause root suffocation and stem rot.
Ignoring the Plant’s Orientation: Be mindful of the plant’s orientation towards the sun, especially if it has been growing in the same direction for many years.
Poor Watering Practices: Both under-watering and over-watering can stress the plant and inhibit root establishment. Water thoroughly after planting, then adjust watering based on weather and soil conditions.
Transplanting at the Wrong Time: As discussed earlier, timing is crucial. For most large plants, late winter or early spring is ideal, allowing the plant to establish before the stress of summer heat.
Neglecting Aftercare: Aftercare is critical for large transplants. This includes regular watering, staking if necessary, and monitoring for signs of stress or disease.

Post-Transplant Care for Large Plants

What Care Should Large Transplants Receive Immediately After Moving?

Immediate aftercare for large transplants is vital to reduce transplant shock and foster successful establishment. Here are key actions to take:

Watering: Thoroughly water the plant right after transplanting and keep the soil consistently moist for several weeks. Adjust watering based on weather and soil moisture levels.
Staking: If the plant is unstable or in a windy location, it may require staking. Drive a stake into the ground and gently tie the plant to it, allowing some movement. Remember to remove the stake once the plant is established.
Protect from Weather Extremes: If transplanting occurs during hot, sunny weather, provide shade for the first few days. During cold weather, consider using a frost blanket for protection.
Avoid Fertilizing: Resist the urge to fertilize immediately after transplanting. Plants need time to establish their roots in the new location before being pushed to grow.

How Should You Monitor and Care for Large Transplants Long-Term?

Long-term care is equally important as initial aftercare for large transplants. Here’s what you should do:

Regular Watering: Continue watering the plant thoroughly but infrequently, promoting deep root growth. After the first year, watering can typically be reduced.
Monitor for Pests and Disease: Keep an eye out for signs of pest infestation or disease, such as discolored leaves, holes, or a lack of growth. Catching problems early allows for more effective treatment.
Fertilize Carefully: After the plant has been in its new location for about a year, you can begin a regular fertilization program. Use a slow-release, balanced fertilizer, and always water thoroughly after application.
Prune as Needed: Prune the plant to remove dead or diseased branches. However, avoid heavy pruning in the first year as the plant needs all its leaves to generate energy for root establishment.