Rhododendrons: Moving large rhodos

Discussion in 'Ericaceae (rhododendrons, arbutus, etc.)' started by jfl, Nov 16, 2005.

  1. jfl

    jfl Member

    Messages:
    1
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    vancouver, bc canada
    Is is possible to move a large tree-like rhodo (20 ft high) without killing it? Do I need to prune it back first? Who could I hire to do this?
     
  2. jimmyq

    jimmyq Well-Known Member 10 Years

    Messages:
    2,345
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Metro Vancouver, BC, Canada.
    A picture would be helpful for defining the situation but I think it is possible to move large rhodos. If it is feasable is another story.
     
  3. fourd

    fourd Active Member 10 Years

    Messages:
    161
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    X-maryland now New Mexico
    Not all rhodies take well to trimming so ID would be the first step there. I have transplanted large Rhodies but not that big. We used thick black plastic (not the thin stuff), rolling one end of the plastic and then unrolling it under the roots while digging under the plant. The fine roots form a thick 6 inch deep mat around the plant and once the plastic is completly under the plant we then used the plastic as a sled to move it to it's new location. The soil was sandy loam so not sure how easy this would be with heavier compacted or gravel soils, but was easier then it sounds with sandy soil.
     

Share This Page