2007-01-28 23:13:36 · 7 answers · asked by JANET C 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Garden & Landscape
Yes. Do it as soon as possible or in the Spring before it leafs out. Try to avoid moving it if it's frosty.
Willows are remarkably tough, but be advised that many ornamental willows are grafted on to the rootstock of native willows for their vigour. So the bit near the soil may well be much more vigorous than the bit above the join. Therefore make sure you cut off any shoots from the base or you may end up with a 60ft Willow. It does happen.
Move as a big a ball of roots as is humanly possible for you to move and if you cut and shorten the roots, cut back some of the crown as well (branches) to reduce stress on the tree. Trim any hacked off roots and try not to leave them all ragged and more prone to disease. It's the fine roots that do all the work, not the big anchor roots.
At 5ft you should do OK. I'd get a few friends to help dig it out and help you lift the heavy root ball on to a tarpaulin to help move it. It will be very heavy if you've moved enough of the root-ball.
Hope you have every success and the tree flourishes in its new home.
2007-01-29 07:13:35 · answer #1 · answered by Ian. Garden & Tree Prof. 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Is it in a pot or in the ground? If it is in the ground you will have a big job in digging out the roots without damaging them, however, if the tree is near a house you must move it or it will cause structural damage. Back to your question - wait until the frosts have gone (say late March/early April)
Good luck
2007-01-28 23:28:05 · answer #2 · answered by D M L 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes. I remembering someone asking this question yesterday. The answer is dig it up in the early spring before the sap starts running.
It is okay is you damage the roots when digging; because, where the roots are damaged the tree will start many new roots, this will give the tree a boost start. Do the transplant in the spring after the ground thaws but before the sap runs.
2007-01-28 23:31:50 · answer #3 · answered by Bud#21 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Move it in early march or just before it starts to produce this years shoots, replant it with a good handful of bone meal to encourage new root growth into the ground. Don't plant it near to a drain or water mains, they have a tendency to break the pipes to get to the water.
2007-01-29 00:56:25 · answer #4 · answered by alec A 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should be fine from now until march(ish). But when digging up be careful you dont damage the fibrous roots which the tree needs for nutrient and moisture up take. Good luck.
2007-01-29 02:58:13 · answer #5 · answered by fishfescue 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Move it this spring after the ground is warm but plants haven't started growing.
2007-01-29 00:19:24 · answer #6 · answered by redunicorn 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
While it is still dormant.
2007-01-28 23:22:03 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋