Contact: Diane Relf, Extension Specialist, Environmental Horticulture
Posted November 1997
Many homeowners who transplant native plants from the woods are often disappointed because the plants die. Some nursery trees are root pruned a year or more before transplanting is to occur, which results in a compact root system. This allows more of the roots to be dug up when transplanting.
For success in transplanting native plants, it is important to understand the environment in which they are growing naturally. Duplicating this environment on the new planting site is the key to the plant's survival. Some environmental factors to consider include light, soil moisture, and soil acidity. Most of our native soils are slightly acid, so you may have to adjust the soil pH in the new location. This can be determined by having the soil tested by your local Extension Office well in advance of anticipated transplanting. Soil moisture can vary within the distance of a few feet. Plants growing naturally on a slope probably require good drainage, while those growing in bogs require wet conditions. Similarly, if the soil is sandy, the plant will transplant best into sandy soil. A plant growing on the edge of the woods generally requires more light than one in a thick forest. These environmental conditions must be similar at the new location.
The following planting conditions will increase the chance of survival:
Three to six months prior to digging, prune with a sharp spade. Since roots form at the cut edge, the root ball that is dug for transplanting must be about 4 to 6 inches outside the pruning cut to get the maximum number of new roots. Transplant during the next dormant season (after 2 years roots will have grown beyond the root ball).
Dig a hole no deeper and 6 to 12 inches wider than the root system. Refill with a mixture of enough existing and native soil of the plant to accommodate the root ball or bare-root system. Set the plants a few inches higher than when growing in the woods.
Firm the soil and water thoroughly. The plant should now settle so it will still be at a higher depth than it was before transplanting. Avoid planting too deep. Mulch with approximately 2 inches of organic mulch material. Stake, using either the 2- or 3-stake method to ensure a straight trunk and to prevent small plants from being stepped on. Do not use fast-release or high-nitrogen fertilizer at the time of planting.
Adequate soil moisture is critical for several months after transplanting. Water only when necessary. Over watering will result in sure death. To determine if the soil is dry, stick your finger 1 to 2 inches below soil surface. When necessary, water slowly in order to soak the ground thoroughly.
(Originally published in The Virginia Gardener Handbook, Diane Relf, Editor, Environmental Horticulture, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0327)