Transporting Plants When Moving Home

Moving garden plants

We can become as attached to our gardens as much as we are to our houses and leaving a beloved garden behind can be just as emotional as leaving a lifelong home. It is entirely possible to move that much loved plant or shrub and take it with you to your new place but there are a few things to bear in mind as well as some vital preparation.

Before deciding which of your plants to take make sure you have room for them in your new garden. You will also need to be transparent with your buyer about taking any established garden plants. They form part of the sales agreement so you must give the buyer written warning of what you are taking prior to the sale.

Plant Preparation

• When moving, different plants have different requirements but October is generally an ideal time to move both deciduous and ever green plants as both will be dormant.
• Try to avoid moving older, more established trees and shrubs. As a rule anything over five years old shouldn’t really be moved.
• Make sure you have watered the soil around the plant well the day before your move.
• Tie the branches loosely together and carefully dig around the plant allowing the root lots of space.
• Lift the plant gently out with as much root ball intact. You may need to neatly cut some of the thicker roots.

Transportation

• Place the plant in some damp sacking with extra, good quality soil.
• Keep the root covered at all times to avoid it drying out.
• Keep the plant cool and dry (our vans are the perfect place!).
• If it is hot continually water the plant throughout the day.

Replanting

• Decide on where you are going to place your plant in advance, taking into account the optimum shade or sunlight for that variety. On move day make sure you replant as quickly as possible after safe transportation.
• Dig a hole for your plant leaving an extra 30-60cm of space from the spread of the roots.
• Place the plant in the hole ensuring its roots can fully spread out.
• Use the old soil mark on the stem of the plant to guide the new planting depth. This is very important as replanting too deeply or shallowly can risk killing it.
• Some plants may need a stake to help them in their new position for up to two years after replanting.

Transporting trees and shrubs can be very stressful so aftercare is key. It is important to keep it regularly watered and use fertiliser and fresh compost (where appropriate) for at least a year after replanting.

If you really do have a favourite tree or shrub but it is just too big too move then try taking a cutting, this way your can plant new life in your beautiful new garden.

For more information on all of our removals services get in touch with our team today.