Conifer trees

[gibba8]

Would like to move 5ft tall conifer trees to a differant part of my garden. Does anyone have any tips as to the best way to do this and also the best time of year.

[Bromsgrove]

A good idea is to prepare the new planting hole before you start to move the trees. Dig the plants with a good root ball, and allow for this when you dig the new hole. Unless you live in a very cold part of the country I would chance moving them now, as the ground is still warm, otherwise leave it until spring. Hope this is of help.

[Whoever]

As these are not deciduous trees which lose their leaves in autumn they don't necessarily have a dormant period. However, autumn/winter is probably the best time to move them when the soil is likely to be more moist to stop roots and leaves drying out. As Bromsgrove has suggested, it's important to prepare the new planting holes before digging the plants up, and don't try to do this in freezing/frosty conditions. Make sure you water the plants in well in their new locations and keep the soil around the roots moist for weeks after replanting, even if it has been raining.

[gibba8]

Thanks for your replies. I live in the north east where it always seem to be cold!! I will wait for a day when not freezing and try to move a couple of the trees. Would I need to put any fertiliser in the new hole?

[a-nigma]

Some bone meal to help root growth would be sensible and water well. Plant them to the same level in the ground as they were before. Tread down the soil around them after planting to help secure them in. A mulch of garden compost on top of the soil would be good too.

[landscaper2]

Good advice above! However, if you can wait until next winter to move them and to improve chances of survival, cut to full depth with a sharp spade at a slight angle around the tree(say 300mm from trunk) This would cut thru the roots and encourage the tree to produce more new fibre roots within the root ball.

[coccinelle]

The most important is water, water and more water up until after the summer.