Moving a Salix caprea. Help Please!!!!

[LeeOulton]

Hi all,

 

I have been asked about the chances of moving a small Salix caprea (Kilmarnock Willow / Pussy Willow, whatever you want to call it.

 

It has just had a major hair cut by its owner and they want to move it to the corner of the garden rather than it being in the middle where it is now. It gets in the way when cutting grass as they have an electric mower and have to chase the cable around the tree etc..

 

The plan is to move it, and have some light gravel around the base.

 

Any suggestions guys? Is it a wise move?? anything different I need to take into consideration?

 

Not the best pic but it shows all, I could try get a better one if needed.

Thanks all,

 

PS.. If you cannot see the pic, go to

http://inlinethumb09.webshots.com/44424/2236239680063516494S600x600Q85.jpg

[mrtree]

That should move easy, easy, easy. The sooner the better. Root prune as you go.

 

I would suggest digging at the edge of the grass then ease the whole root ball up.

 

I would do a serious check of the old root ball/system to ensure that girdling and winding roots are not existing from the nursery pot. Plant perhaps an inch higher than you might believe is correct.

[The tree monkey]

what he said! use caution when lifting but should be fine

[LeeOulton]

Cool thanks,

 

How far out will the roots be? dripline?

 

Should I add any compost when re-planting? It is a thick sandy soil but it is only being moved a few feet backwards (same soil)

 

Should they keep watering or will this be okay as it is? and lastly, what about support? I plan to dig a hole, dig up tree, move tree into new hole, fill hole in with soil taken out....done

 

Thanks guys:001_smile:

[The tree monkey]

maybe stake it and water it in.

[Mortimer Firewood]

Take as much of a root ball as u can and firm it in well mix some good compost in water well bobs your uncle. Did one last year and its taken really well.

[nepia]

Plant perhaps an inch higher than you might believe is correct.

 

Genuine question; why would you plant higher rather than lower? My gardening experience would suggest planting deeper: should the existing roots struggle adventitious ones may well develop from the inch of newly buried stem in essence giving rise to an entirely new rootball should it be needed.

I realise you don't want to bury most trees' stems but willow...

 

Cheers,

 

Jon

[Cracker]

I think it's almost impossible to kill that stuff.

[mrtree]

Genuine question; why would you plant higher rather than lower? My gardening experience would suggest planting deeper: should the existing roots struggle adventitious ones may well develop from the inch of newly buried stem in essence giving rise to an entirely new rootball should it be needed.

I realise you don't want to bury most trees' stems but willow...

 

Cheers,

 

Jon

 

The most common planting problem I see is planting too deep. If you get in the habit of planting an inch high (compared with the classic idea of the proper depth) you start to reduce the chances of girdling roots. Adventitious roots can be a real problem for trees.

 

Planting higher also is better for gas exchange and reduces water logging problems.

 

Willows (and other raparain trees) are evolutionarily used to being flooded and having silt and soil deposited on there roots, thus they grow upwards quite well. Most trees are not used to this and are gentically conditioned to grow out and down.

 

I think we should we should always plant a little high

 

Plant it high and it will thrive

Plant is low and it won't grow.

[nepia]

I think we should we should always plant a little high

 

Plant it high and it will thrive

Plant is low and it won't grow.

 

 

OK with willow then!

 

Cheers.