Dogwoods (Cornus) can grow up to 10 meters high and almost as wide - at least if the growing conditions at the selected location are right. Over the years, many small bushes grow into impressive trees that can become too cramped in their location. Now you can of course regularly use secateurs or transplant the horn bush to a more suitable place.
When and how to transplant a dogwood?
To transplant a dogwood successfully, choose the leafless time, either fall or spring. Younger plants are easier to transplant, while older dogwoods require preparation the previous year to adjust the root ball.
Transplanting younger dogwoods during the leafless period
Younger dogwoods that have been in one location for a maximum of four to five years can still be moved relatively easily due to their rather slow growth in the first few years. You should implement this plan during the leafless period, i.e. H. either in autumn after the leaves fall or in spring before budding. Experience has shown that moving it works best in autumn, as the tree then goes into hibernation and has enough time to recover from this shock until spring. Don't forget to cut the dogwood back by at least a third the following spring.
Remove older dogwoods only with preparation
Older and therefore more established dogwoods in their location, on the other hand, can only be implemented with sufficient preparation. The reason for this lies in the development of the roots, which over the years can grow to the same size as the crown itself. The main problem is the numerous fine roots that are located far away from the trunk and are destroyed during a transplanting operation. However, only these fine roots are able to absorb water - the secondary and main roots only pass the valuable water on to the above-ground parts of the plant. This means that when transplanting and the associated destruction of the water-absorbing fine roots, you cut off the dogwood from its water supply. To prevent this, you must prepare the tree accordingly:
- In the fall, cut a generously sized circle around the tree to be moved.
- You pierce the roots.
- The trench dug should be at least 40 centimeters deep and 10 centimeters wide.
- Mix the excavated material with plenty of compost
- and refill the ditch.
- Now water the dogwood thoroughly.
- The bush will grow new fine roots in the next nine years
- and form a more compact root ball.
The actual transplanting finally takes place in the fall of the following year.
Tip
You should be particularly careful with the flower dogwoods, as they react very sensitively to being transplanted.