Autumn and Winter are generally considered the best time of year to move your garden plants but in truth, it can be done at almost any time providing adequate precautions are taken. Personally I move a lot of my plants in the early Spring after Winter has taken its toll.
When moving a smaller plant – under a metre high you should first remove any dead material and trim the plant to about two thirds of its size. Digging out the rootball is the next step making sure that you take a reasonably large amount, around the same diameter as the plant is good. A large enough hole should be dug and the plant will generally benefit if you backafill with some compost.
Any plant up to about two metres should be loosened a few days before you remove it, digging a hole at least 30 cms deep and long or damaged roots should be trimmed off before replanting. Bigger plants and trees need further preparation still, you should dig out around two sides to a reasonable depth then let the plant stand for a week, then trim it back by about one third before digging around the other sides then leave it again for a week or so, patience is required! When you remove the plant wrap the rootball to protect it.
The new hole should be bigger than the rootball and again you should backfill and possibly add some feed. Once the plant is in place, firm it in carefully and keep an eye on it for a week or two. All plants should be well watered in when moved.
