Hey, any real good landscapers out there? Boy do we have a big problem, had to dig up our Great Uncles back yard because of a water problem. 21 trees and shrubs had to be removed stored for a week and replanted, ground was frozen had to dig them up with a escavator, roots badly damaged. Really worried about some varigated privits about 8' tall, very little roots left in tact, any advise, really could use some help. Live in southeast Ky, very heavy clay in the soil. Thanks
Treat them as new seedlings and put them in a bucket of water for 24 hours before replanting. When you replant, use some potting soil with the slow release fertilizer in it.(Don't just put the clay soil back in with the plant since you want the roots to grow quickly and the clay soil just doesn't help in that matter.) After planting, mulch well to protect the roots from any sudden winter storms you may encounter. Remember to trim all the trees and shrubs back as much as possible to reduce the shock. I lived in TN and AR for many years and had plants that I thought would never make it with as little roots they were left with after my hubby took to them with a shovel. But with a little extra TLC they made it. Good Luck!
Posts: 1 | Location: Springfield, IL | Registered: 20 December 2006
Thanks for the advise, we did just what you suggested. Sure hope they all make it, The man that owns them is 85 and he sure does love his trees. Again THANKS for the advise.
You definatly should prune them back a bit. The shrub was used to having an established root system supportng the leaves and branches. If the roots were damaged, there might not be enough roots to keep the rest of the plant alive. I would take a couple of inches off each branch. I've transplanted hundreds of shrubs in my landscaping career with about 80% success.
