Transplanting Trees and Shrubs

I know.  I know.  It is only the end of August, but the weather has already begun to change.  The day time temperatures are slightly below the summer highs of 94-95.  Unlike the weather to the north, which begins to cool dramatically after Labor Day, we won’t experience lower humidity until mid October.

This means time is growing short for moving plants which are in the ground from one location to another.  Be certain to root prune your larger trees and shrubs before transplanting.  The time needed depends on the size of the plant.  If you are able to remove the entire root ball intact, do so now.  I suggest that larger shrubs or trees not be moved until next April.  However, you can start the root pruning process now.  Root prune 1/3 of the root ball, wait 4 weeks, then root prune another 1/3, wait another 3 weeks before doing the last 1/3.  After waiting another 3 weeks, you can now relocate the tree or shrub with the least amount of shock, thus giving your plant the best chance for survival.

Some of the Bougainvilleas which normally do not show color in the summer are already producing their colorful bracts.  this could be a by product of a somewhat drier than normal summer so far.

Bougainvillea (Red)	Bougainvillea arborea (Tree Bougainvillea)	Bougainvillea ‘Pixie’
Bougainvillea ‘Pink and White Surprise’	Bougainvillea (Double Orange)	Bougainvillea (Double Red)
Bougainvillea (Purple)	Bougainvillea (Yellow-Orange)	Bougainvillea (Purple Bonsai)