By Kirkless
United Kingdom
i have no choice but to move a pieris!
how is the best way to do it?
- 16 Apr, 2017
Answers
Hi, welcome to GoY, as a general rule, the branches of a shrub give some guidance as to how far the roots have spread, so if the spread is say 4ft, the roots will have spread out 4ft, so start digging down just outside the extent of the branches, when you've dug down approximately 2ft, start to dig underneath the plant at that depth, if you come across any roots as you move toward the centre, go down a little further,{the idea is to get under the roots, so as to cause as little root disturbance as possible}, you will have quite a large rootball, and may need some help with lifting the plant, have a large hole ready dug to replant in as quickly as possible, water in well, and keep well watered until well established, good luck, Derek.
16 Apr, 2017
Sorry Sue, there was nothing here when I started, but had to break off, at least we're on the same page, ? Derek.
16 Apr, 2017
I think our answers complemented each other Derek.
I was hoping somebody else would answer as well.
16 Apr, 2017
Oh dear. First prepare the site where you are going to put it, preferably a semi shaded area. Then I would cut it back quite a bit - they do respond to hard pruning and it should reduce the stress on it if there is less canopy. Take as big a root ball as you can get, trying to limit damage to roots as much as possible. Keep it well watered in its new position until it shows signs of recovering.
If its a fairly young plant this should work but as you have no option in any case good luck anyway.
Hopefully some other people may have better advice but this is what I would do.
16 Apr, 2017