In autumn, trees change colour, and even evergreens can benefit from a new view. Autumn is the ideal time to move your evergreen plants to a new spot in the garden.
This is because the weather is cooler, and the plants are less likely to experience stress from the move. The soil is also warm enough for the roots to establish themselves before winter. Overall, fall provides the perfect conditions for successfully transplanting evergreen plants.
Why Autumn?
Autumn’s moderate temperatures and lingering warmth in the soil create favourable conditions for transplanting evergreens. Autumn is a good time for transplanted plants to grow roots before winter. This helps them adapt to their new environment quickly, making handling any challenges easier.
Preparation is Key
Before you embark on the task of transplanting evergreen plants, proper preparation is essential. First, choose a good spot for the transplant. Consider things like sunlight, soil drainage, and spacing.
After finding the new spot, make a hole for the plant. Add compost and bonemeal to make the soil better and give the plant important nutrients.”
Transplanting Process
When it’s time to move your evergreen, follow these steps for a successful transplant:
- When digging, be cautious. Use a sharp spade to carefully dig around the root ball of the evergreen plant. Make sure to remove enough soil along with the roots. Take care not to damage the root system during the digging process.
- Plant the evergreen immediately after moving it from its old spot. Put it quickly into the new hole you prepared for it. Avoid leaving the root ball exposed to air for an extended period to minimize stress on the plant.
- Water Thoroughly: After replanting, create a soil basin around the transplanted shrub to retain water. Water the evergreen deeply to help settle the soil around the roots and alleviate transplant shock.
Transplanting Evergreen Plants – Species that do well with transplanting.
Many evergreen species can successfully transplant, but some are more resilient than others. In South Africa, popular evergreens that tolerate transplanting well include:
- Cypress Trees (Cupressus spp.): People commonly transplant Italian cypresses and Leyland cypresses in South African gardens.
- Junipers (Juniperus spp.): Various juniper species, such as Juniperus chinensis ‘Blaauw’, adapt well to transplantation when done with care.
- Pines (Pinus spp.): Certain pine species, such as Pinus pinea and Pinus canariensis, can successfully be moved during autumn.
Plants to Approach with Caution when Transplanting
While many evergreens respond positively to transplantation, some may struggle to recover from the process. Exercise caution when considering the relocation of the following evergreen species:
- Firs (Abies spp.): Some fir species may have sensitive root systems that make them less tolerant of transplanting.
- Spruces (Picea spp.): Some spruce varieties transplant easily, but others require extra care to thrive in a new location.
Autumn is the perfect time to relocate evergreens in your South African garden. By selecting the right timing and using proper techniques, you can take advantage of this excellent opportunity.
Transplanting evergreens in autumn is a great way to enhance your landscape and adapt to environmental changes. This will help ensure a smooth transition and keep your garden healthy and vibrant for the future.
Visit Indigo Garden Nursery for more tips and ideas for your garden!