In article , Chris Hogg
writes
On Thu, 26 May 2005 10:19:15 +0000 (UTC), Lynda Thornton
wrote:

Hi

We are going to have to remove a mature weigela shrub due to some garden
work starting the first week of July. It is a large plant, very well
rooted with large woody stems and I'm dreading trying to dig it up!! Is
it going to kill the plant to do this at this time of year - it is about
to start flowering and I'm hoping that the flowers might be on the way
out by July?

Any advice appreciated as I'd like to try and save the plant if I can.

Lynda


Some suggestions/ideas:

Cut it back a bit before you start (remember that leaves transpire and
the roots have to supply the water; fewer leaves so less transpiration
for damaged roots to cope with). Dig up as big a root ball as you can
(get help moving it if it's at all heavy, which it will be if you've
got a big enough root ball!). Work some hessian or similar under the
root ball before you actually start lifting it and tie it up around
the stem/trunk. Do all your lifting, pulling etc. on this sacking, not
on the stem/trunk. Use a bit of old corrugated iron or a heavy plastic
sack as a sledge to tow it around on, rather than carrying it between
the two sites (these points are all intended to keep root disturbance
to a minimum). Have the new location well prepared before you dig up
the weigela (so that it's not sitting around out of the ground). Water
the hole very well before you put the plant in, and water the plant
after it's gone in (in effect, puddle it in). Mulch well with compost
or peat. Spray the foliage regularly after planting, say two or three
times a day, especially in hot weather. Arrange some shade.

Can't think of anything else off hand. Good luck.


Thanks for such a detailed guide - very helpful!

Lynda