On 19 Aug 2005 15:51:41 -0700, "Austin Longhorn"
wrote:


Cindy wrote:
Austin Longhorn wrote:
We need to move several large, established shrubs, including 8' crape
myrtles, several Indian hawthorn and a 6' ligustrum. The plan is to
move them in the late fall, when dormant.

I know I'll need to do at least some pruning, as the plants are too
large to move as-is... But should I prune fairly severely in this
situation to reduce their water needs, since I know they'll be losing
a lot of root mass?

Yes, but don't prune yet. Wait until you're ready to move them.
Right now you should root prune.
http://gardening.about.com/od/garden...ootPruning.htm
Then you may want to wait until spring to move them.

Thanks for the info. I thought it was easiest to establish plants in
the fall, when there's little top growth. I also worry a bit about
root pruning now, when the weather has been so hot. Won't the plant
starve for moisture?




What are the odds I'll be able to keep each of these plants alive
after they're moved, given they're on the large side?

Pretty good if you do it right.
I didn't check the above site, but you can compromise by dividing the
root zone into segments and pruning every other one now (still might
be a good idea to water a little extra at first). Fall is a good time
to transplant here, but spring will usually be okay as long as you're
prepared to irrigate in case of drought.

Crapes can tolerate a surprising amount of root loss and still
survive. ligustums are practically indestructible, but also
invasive--consider eliminating them and using wax myrtle. Not sure
how much success you'll have with the hawthorns, but presumably they
are smaller and can have a bigger root ball compared to the top, which
is good.

Minimize the pruning, as the leaves will produce the energy that the
plants need to put out new roots.

K