I Pulled Up And Replanted My Pussy Willow Tree And…
Connie Asked
I pulled up and replanted my pussy willow tree and I think it is in shock. I really want to save it and don’t know what to do. Do you have any advice for me? In previous years it has done really well. I moved and could not bear to leave it behind. It is very young and only about 6 feet tall.
The Gardener’s Answer
Hello, Connie: Anytime we move an established planting there is going to be some amount of transplant shock. Reducing the amount of stress is the key to a successful move. When digging up the existing planting, we always want to keep as many of the roots attached as possible. This means when we start digging, we should start farther away from the root ball and work our way in so as not to damage the roots. It is best to re-plant as soon as possible. Leaving the planting exposed to wind and other weather can harm the roots, so it is important to protect them during the move and get them back into the soil as soon as possible. Preparing the new planting hole before digging up the current planting will reduce the time out of soil. The hole should be twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Planting too deep can cause problems. Once it is in its new home, we need to treat it like a new planting. It will require at least 1 inch of water per week and avoid fertilizing for one year. Hopefully you took these steps and your tree is adjusting to its new home. Only time will determine the outcome. Make sure that your tree is getting enough moisture; a thin layer of mulch will help keep the soil moist and reduce potential weeds.
