Would you like to give a laurel cherry that has grown too large a new place in the garden and have to move the tree? With our tips, the transplanting of the evergreen shrub is guaranteed to succeed.

The right time to move

So that the laurel cherry is not affected too much, you should move the shrub in early spring or early autumn if possible. The ground must be absolutely frost-free for this work. At the beginning and end of the growth period, the wood puts all its energy into forming new roots and thus grows faster than when transplanted in the summer months.

Preparing the shrub

Large bushes are first cut back. This makes them easier to transport and at the same time reduces evaporation from the leaf surface. Shorten the cherry laurel by about a third and take this opportunity to remove all dead plant parts. Then tie the branches together so that you can transport the laurel cherry to its new location more easily.

Digging up the laurel cherry

The laurel cherry forms an extensive and deep-reaching root system that you have to dig up extensively. The fibrous roots, which are important for the survival of the bush, are located in the outer area of the bush circumference, which can also be two or three meters in the case of the cherry laurel.

Watering makes the job easier

Dig a trench a reasonable distance from the trunk and use the spade to cut the roots that extend beyond. Water the shrub thoroughly so that the roots can retain some moisture. In addition, the moist soil is easier to dig up.

The roots should then be exposed at least sixty centimeters deep. You can cut off deeper roots when digging. After digging up, wrap the root ball in a jute sack (€10.99) so that the sensitive root system does not dry out.

Prepare planting hole

The new planting hole must be twice as wide and deep as the root ball of the laurel cherry. In order to avoid waterlogging, which the laurel cherry does not like at all, you should bring a drainage layer of gravel into the planting hole in humid areas. Compacted or loamy topsoil is loosened up with coarse sand and compost before planting the shrub. Enrich the soil with a slow-release fertilizer.

Insert bay cherries

When planting the shrub, it helps if you have a second person to help you. Place the root ball in the planting hole so that the upper edge of the ball is flush with the edge of the planting hole. Straighten the laurel cherry and fill the planting hole with the topsoil mixed with compost and sand. Tread the soil firmly so that the cherry laurel has a firm footing.

Form a pouring rim and wash in the laurel cherry well. Mulch the cherry laurel to keep the soil from drying out as quickly. In windy areas, the freshly planted shrub will need an extra tumble. Insert several sturdy stakes into the ground around the cherry laurel and tie up the main shoots.

tips and tricks

When moving, the old gardener's rule applies: "Totally in balance". The circumference of the root ball dug up should roughly correspond to the circumference of the above-ground parts of the plant.

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Trees