The Art of Transplanting

The key to successful transplanting is doing it so well the plant doesn’t know it’s been moved.

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  • Topic: Planting Techniques
  • Author: Katherine O'Brien
  • Keywords: , Planting Techniques
  • Date: October 2002

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Simply put, transplanting is moving a plant from its existing site to another place in the garden or into a container. The key to successful transplanting is doing it so well the plant doesn’t know it’s been moved. Whether moving a small plant or a large tree, be sure to take care of the root system. Keeping the roots intact and not allowing them to become dehydrated will almost guarantee a successful transplant.

The following tips will help you transplant with more confidence:

1. Plan Ahead

Japanese gardeners start pruning the roots of large plants two or three years before transplanting. Trenching around mature plants at the point where the actual root ball will be dug allows the roots to amass in the root ball. This results in more roots for the plant to start with in its new location. Watering a plant well two or three days before it is dug increases the likelihood of the soil staying on the roots. Soil loss usually damages the fragile hair roots.

2. Transplant During the Dormant Season

In Santa Fe, the fall transplanting season begins in early October and extends through November. It resumes in the spring as soon as the soil thaws, usually mid-March. Broadleaf evergreens, Redbuds and Oaks should only be moved in spring. Most conifers, deciduous trees and shrubs and perennials can be done in either season. Dormant plants are not as likely to go into shock if some of their root system is removed when they are dug. The air is also cooler in the dormant season, reducing the amount of dehydration plants may experience from being transplanted.

3. Have New Site Ready

Prepare the new site first. Have extra compost and topsoil handy in case the hole is actually larger than the plant’s root ball. Add soil amendments to the soil at the base of the hole. Water the hole.

4. Lightly Prune Plant Before Moving

Remove growth that will inhibit moving the plant, such as long canes that will quickly grow back. On trees tie branches to the trunk to lessen the bulk. The plant will adjust to its new site more quickly if about a third of its branches have been thinned. Major pruning at the time of transplant can shock the plant.

5. Dig a Sizeable Root Ball

With trees the roots are usually within the first 24” of ball depth. The roots generally go wider than the ‘drip line’, the area straight down from the outermost branches. To evaluate where to dig, test the site to get a feel for where most of the roots are. Once the root mass begins to thin out, the remainder of the roots can be lost without harm to the plant. Still, get as many roots as possible.

6. For Trees, Stretch Burlap over Root Balls with Heavy Twine

Root balls are heavy because of the dirt in them. Large trees might need a tree basket. Smaller plants will not need to be wrapped; slipping them onto a large shovel for transport to the new location will minimize root disturbance. Also a wheelbarrow is good if the bottom is cushioned with compost.

7. Transplant Immediately to New Site

The longer plants are out of the ground, the more likely the root hairs will dry and die off. Whatever the size of a plant, it will transplant more successfully if transferred to a damp hole. Make sure plants are placed at the same depth as they were previously, and orienting the plant in the same direction also helps in its transplanting success.

8. Fill Planting Area with Soil Amended with Compost and Fertilizer

We recommend Yum Yum Mix fertilizer, Superphosphate, and Soil Mender brand soil amendments. Create a well around the plant large enough to accommodate a good supply of water. Place at least 2 inches of mulch on top of the root system. With perennial flowers, the mulch needs to taper down to the base of the flower.

9. Water Slowly, Then Follow with Root Stimulator

Deep watering is the key to establishing plants, which means a good amount of water added slowly. For newly planted trees, let a hose run in the well slowly for at least 20 minutes. Once the area is saturated apply at least 2 gallons of root stimulator. We recommend Superthrive mixed with Sea Com PGR.

10. Water Transplanted Plants Regularly Until Established

Until plants have created a new root system, they are fragile and can easily expire if they become too dry. Most plants will re-establish in two or three weeks with biweekly watering. Watering frequency varies according to size and type of plant, the type of soil and climatic conditions. Root stimulator can be reapplied if the plant seems to be shocking.