There are usually good reasons that motivate a gardener to change the location of his corkscrew willow. As a rule, the bush has become too large or its roots are threatening masonry. Read here how to transplant the ornamental tree professionally and ensure re-rooting.
How to properly transplant a corkscrew willow?
To successfully transplant a corkscrew willow, you should cut the bush back by two thirds, cut off the roots with a spade, dig out the root ball and dig a planting pit at the new location. After planting the willow, tamp down the soil, water generously and stabilize the bush on a stake.
The best time is in autumn – spring is also possible
During the months of August and October is the ideal time to plant trees. This also applies to transplanting a large ornamental shrub, such as the corkscrew willow. At this time of year, the plant can focus on re-rooting as the foliage has finished its season. Alternatively, you can move the plant in spring, in good time before new growth, provided the soil has thawed thoroughly.
Step-by-step instructions – How to move the corkscrew willow
The work begins by cutting back the corkscrew willow by up to two thirds. In this way, the significant loss of root mass is compensated for. Then cut off the roots all around with a spade. The diameter corresponds to 75 percent of the plant height. This is how it continues:
- Use the digging fork to loosen the root ball
- Tie the branches together with a rope and lift the bush out of the ground
- Wrap the root ball with burlap if it is to be transported over a longer distance
At the new location, dig a planting pit twice the width of the root ball. Measure the depth of the pit so that the previous planting depth can be maintained. Enrich the excavation with compost (€41.00 on Amazon) and horn shavings. Tamp the soil well and water generously. An extensive supply of water ensures that the roots establish themselves quickly.
Stabilize transplanted shrub
Until the transplanted corkscrew willow has established itself in its new location, it is threatened by windthrow. You can effectively prevent this danger by tying the leading shoot to a wooden post. Please hit this into the planting pit so that the root ball is not damaged.
Tip
Forward-looking gardeners plant a corkscrew willow complete with a root barrier. In this way, the aggressive growth of the roots remains under control and a later change of location is only half as time-consuming.