Transplanting - Shrubs - Tree, Shrub and Hedges Support Discussion

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Plant & Gardening Support Forums > Tree, Shrub and Hedges Support Discussion > Shrubs > Transplanting

Transplanting

Moderated by: backyardgardener

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jesinjax
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Joined:	Fri Apr 18th, 2008
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Posted: Fri Apr 18th, 2008 12:56 pm

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Hi! I am about to be the recipient of 5 very large Ilex Shilling bushes. My question is, should they be pruned before they are dug up? Any advice once I get them to my house?

Any imput/comments/suggestions are greatly appreciated! I don't want to kill these plants, they are about 15 years old!!

~Jessica

backyardgardener
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Posted: Fri Apr 18th, 2008 02:10 pm

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Where do you live and what Zone are you in?
http://www.backyardgardener.com/zone/

I would normally advise people to transplant in the fall versus spring. You can transplant in spring, but you must keep your plants watered.

Pruning... hmm, I would say no. The shock of the move is enough stress and with the extra prune, it maybe to much for this size of a plant. These are mature plants with a large root ball. Don't use your shovel to dig towards the base of the bush, but use your shovel to dig around the shrub. This way your pulling up the roots versus slicing them off.

Good luck.

Newt may have a different opinion.

jesinjax
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Posted: Fri Apr 18th, 2008 02:23 pm

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I am in Zone 9, Northest Florida.

Thank you!

Newt
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Posted: Fri Apr 18th, 2008 04:02 pm

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Hi Jessica,

What a wonderful gift! I agree with backyard gardener that digging in fall is best, especially in your location. You will need to water diligently all summer if you don't get enough rain, especially if you have sandy soil. Be sure they're watered 2 to 3 days before digging if there has been no rain. If they area't being dug by pros, you should find these sites helfpful. The first shows how to b&b the rootball.
http://www.freeplants.com/how_to_ball_and_burlap_dig_plant.htm
http://www.walterreeves.com/landscaping/article.phtml?cat=13&id=904

Here's how to water and mulch. The mulch site is for trees, but the same applies to shrubs.
http://www.treesaregood.com/treecare/mulching.aspx
http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/gt/planting/Planting.html

Table 2 here might be helpful for you.
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/EP110

Newt

jesinjax
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