Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Winter is the perfect time to transplant shrubs and trees



SSSSHHHHHH.... the trees are sleeping.



A lot of folks like to put the lawnmower, weedeater, rakes and shovels away from November to April. One of the advantages to living in the Pacific Northwest is that we do not encounter "harsh winters," like many other places in the nation. Other than a week or two out of the year, it stays around 40 degrees and rainy. Not exactly beach weather, but the ground never freezes, the grass stays green and there are a number of projects in the yard that are "ideal" for the chilly winter months.



Transplanting trees and shrubs is a great example of this. Plants like humans, need rest. As the trees drop their leaves in the Fall, they go into a dormant "resting phase" conserving energy and preparing for spring when they explode to life for all of us to enjoy for the next 7 to 8 months.



Can you transplant in the middle of summer? Yes... the mild year round' weather allows transplanting year round. However, the chances of damaging the plant increases as the weather warms up. Many know this as "transplant shock". This is when a plant is transplanted and loses its foliage due to the "shock" of a new environment. PH changes in the soil, lack of water and cutting the plants roots can all lead to transplant shock.



We all know that it rains essentially from November to April, so why not take advantage of this and use "natures water" to ensure that your plant will remain healthy. One key to a healthy transplant is PLENTY of water. They make a product called a "treegator bag" which you can place 15/20 gallons of water in and it slowly releases the water over about a 3 hour period.



http://www.treegator.com/products/original/index.html



We have gator bags avialable!



Good luck! Remember that transplanting trees and shrubs in the winter months will give your plants the "best shot" at living a long and healthy life.... after you move them in the right spot! :)



Please visit our website and schedule a time for us to move your trees and shrubs so that you can enjoy them in the Spring and Summer!

http://www.olympiclawn.com/
Thanks for reading our blog!
Derrik Tribble
The Lawn Psychologist

No comments:

Post a Comment

Monthly Blog Archive