Transplanting is the process that is done to move a plant from one location to another one. This can be due to various reasons, such as having a new gardening plan or finding out that the shrub does not fit well in your lawn.
Are you planning to have a shrub in your landscape? Transplanting can be an arduous process and you might need an extra pair of hands in the moving process. There is so much to do when transplanting, and when you are done, it does not mean that your work is finished.
Maintenance is important in taking care of a transplanted shrub. When something is lacking or is too much, it can cause your plant’s demise. The key to having a healthy plant is to have the right tools and proper maintenance. It can be easy to water your shrub, but are you giving it enough?
What’s written below are tips that will help your shrub grow well enough to be a statement in your lawn and will also answer the most frequently asked questions from people who are new in the whole process of transplanting.
All about watering your shrub
When your shrub is newly transplanted, it will need proper care and maintenance regularly for the next couple of weeks. Consistency is the key in order for you to make sure that your shrub will survive the stress of being transported and planted to a new location.
Where should you water your transplanted shrub?
Watering your newly transplanted shrub should not be done by pouring in random places. Find the root ball of your plant (clump of roots that has formed to a shape of a ball) and directly pour it on top of the area. This is crucial because during the process of the transplantation, your shrub will lose about 90% of its root system. To help your shrub regain its health, directly watering over the roots can possibly hasten the healing process.
How much water do transplanted shrubs need?
We know how forgetting to water shrubs and other tree life will be an easy manner of getting them killed, but did you know that giving them too much water can be just as detrimental to their health as well? Sadly, many people have killed their shrubs due to overwatering. Inspect your shrub daily and look for signs of dehydration or over dehydration and then adjust your water volume accordingly.
How often do you have to water?
As a guide, it is generally better to water your shrub multiple times a day instead of pouring a lot one at a time. When you water a couple of times, just make sure that you are only putting a small amount and spreading the time throughout the day. Water your shrubs daily for at least two weeks, then gradually lessen watering periods as time pass. After 3 weeks, water them every 2 to 3 days, and then do it weekly after 3 months.
Depending on the type of shrub you have and the climate on where it is planted, they may need more or less watering.
Should you water right after transplanting?
Absolutely. One of the mistakes owners make is not watering the shrub immediately after transplant. By doing this, you can assist the shrub’s roots to make contact with its new soil and helps in keeping the root ball moist to encourage growth.
Proper maintenance of a transplanted shrub
Aside from watering, you have to make sure that you are doing maintenance properly.
Do you need to mulch?
Mulching is the process of adding organic material such as wood chips and pine needles around your newly transplanted shrub mainly to secure moisture. When mulching is done, it will help keep your plant hydrated while also adding other benefits such as controlling and stabilizing temperature. Depending on the shrub you have and where it is planted, mulching is a favorable method that is done not only on shrubs but trees as well.
Do you need to put fertilizer?
Putting fertilizers on your newly transplanted shrub is considered unnecessary and is not recommended by experts. When you put in your fertilizer this early, it will be a waste of resources as the roots are not yet established on the soil, meaning it will not absorb the nutrients that you will give it. Wait a couple of days or weeks before putting fertilizer that will fit your shrub’s variety and needs.
Do you need to prune?
There is no need to prune a new shrub unless you are doing it on the root ball before planting. During the first few years, only cut limbs that are broken, damaged, or diseased. It is ideal to wait for at least a year before you start removing thicker stems as it can be very stressful for your plant.
Are your shrubs dying after a transplant?
Are your shrubs wilting and looking sickly after a transplant? Sadly, this can be a case of a transplant shock. There are many reasons why this happened. It can be due to improper planting, too much or too little watering, or insufficient nutrients. If you want to save your shrub, inspect your plant properly and try to determine the cause. Try to get the help of an arborist and ask for recommendations on how to save your plant.