Like all conifers, the cypress does not like moving to a new location. You should therefore only transplant cypresses if they have not been growing in their previous location for too long. What you need to consider when transplanting.
How to properly transplant a cypress?
To successfully transplant a cypress, you should dig it up at its old location within four years, move it in the fall, carefully dig out the root ball and place the plant in a prepared planting hole, muddy it well and water it regularly.
Which cypress trees you can transplant
Cypresses are fast-growing and form a strong network of roots. The longer the tree stands in one location, the denser and longer the main roots become. They can hardly be dug out later without damaging them.
Therefore, only replant cypress trees that have stood in their old place for a maximum of four years. For older trees, it is better not to transplant them, as you will also need a small truck with a winch to dig out and transport the root ball with soil.
With older trees and hedges, it usually makes more sense to plant a new cypress or create a new hedge.
The best time to transplant
If transplanting the cypress cannot be avoided, wait until autumn. Then the soil is well moistened and there is no risk of it drying out.
Prepare a sufficiently large planting hole. If necessary, fertilize the potting soil with some horn shavings (€32.00 on Amazon) or mature compost.
How to transplant a cypress tree
- Dig up the root ball as completely as possible
- Carefully dig up the cypress
- place with soil in new planting hole
- soak well
- Fill up the soil and tamp it down
Remove the lower branches to make it easier to dig up the cypress. When digging, keep a distance of at least 50 centimeters from the trunk. For tall trees the distance should be even greater.
For taller trees, place a support post next to the trunk so that the cypress grows as straight as possible.
Care after transplanting
After transplanting, the cypress needs some time to get used to its location. Some needles turn brown.
The new location must be watered regularly without causing waterlogging.
Tip
Cypress trees cannot tolerate drought or waterlogging. If you have to move the tree, make sure that the soil in the new location is well drained. Otherwise, you should definitely create a drainage.
