On the move, or not!

Ruth lists things to consider before moving a woody plant

- Ruth Hayes

IN a few weeks’ time we will be entering the prime season for planting and moving trees and shrubs. The dormant months are perfect for relocating large woody plants and I will be dealing with that in more detail as autumn progresses, but there are a few things to bear in mind before you commit to the job.

Not all trees and shrubs will relocate happily and the longer they have been growing, the less successful the move is likely to be. As a rule of thumb, plants that have been in the soil for five years or more are better left alone.

The best months for transplanting are between October and mid-March for deciduous varieties and in October or March, when the soil is warm or starting to warm up, for evergreens.