moving a malnolia

[norma1]

Im living in Ireland and need to move a Magnolia tree as we planted it too close to the house, how and when would be a good time to move it.

[robber1]

It would need to be a very young tree to move it. Maybe 3 years old at the most. Wait until the leaves have dropped, then dig out as much of the root with the soil as possible. Plant in a prepared hole with room for it to get established. Keep ,it watered well for a year, never let it dry out. Give it a top dressing of feed in spring and water in.

[Newt]

Hi Norma, I agree with Robber that it is difficult to transplant older magnolias. Here in the US, it's best done in spring. Take a look here. This first site is in Florida and is currently not working because of hurricane Frances. Give it a day or two to get back online. http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/shrubs/MAGSTEA.PDF http://gardengal.net/page13.html http://www.treehelp.com/trees/magnolia/magnolia-types-saucer .asp Here's some other helpful sites. http://www.tlcfortrees.info/planting%20depth.htm http://www.ext.nodak.edu/extpubs/plantsci/trees/f1147w.htm http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/MG089 http://www.watersaver.org/pdfs/fall_watering_trees.pdf Newt

[norma1]

Thanks guys for your answer, so your saying I need to wait till spring when the leaves drop to move it? robber1. Poor Florida? - newt wouldnt like to have my maglolias there I think I would have no probs moving them! Norma1

[Newt]

Norma, you're welcome! Yes, wait until spring. As to Florida, they are in quite a mess! I'm in Maryland waiting for our annual blizzard! ;-) Newt

[robber1]

I would suggest transplanting it in late Autumn in this country. It needs the dormant period to settle in over winter, by spring it will have the strength to establish. Keep watered aqnd feed in spring.

[Drewhound]

I'd go for autumn as well, we don't have the cold winters which make all the difference. It won't like it whenever you do it I'm afraid

[Newt]

Norma, Good points made, but I still say to do it in spring. Ireland's hardiness zones are comparable to US zones 8 and 9. Florida has zones 8, 9, 10 and 11 and that is where the info came from. Ireland http://www2.dicom.se/fuchsias/eurozoner.html http://www.marblenet.es/pjse/mapuse.htm Florida http://www.growit.com/bin/USDAZoneMaps.exe?MyState=FL Newt

[Drewhound]

We can agree to differ Newt, quite likely one is as good as the other. One major difference between Florida and the British Isles in general is the summers and autumn are moist and cool, this means roots can consolidate much better over here.