I pulled the tree out of the ground yesterday, May 2014 and the root pruning I did in 2012 and 2013 paid off big time. I dug around the tree with a pick ax and it popped right out of the ground with a nice tight root ball consisting of many tiny roots. IâÂÂve also made the decision to train this tree into a formal upright shape so the dual trunks had to go. I was very nervous about this step but it had to be done: I cut the tree in half⦠And I think it looks great! The remaining trunk has nice taper as a result of cutting off the second large branch (itâÂÂs about 6â diameter at the base and 30â tall from the top of the soil). There are no mature branches left so it will take a long time before it evens out but I think the trunk has a good start. IâÂÂm looking for any advice on where to go from here. How do I shape it? When do I re-pot it? Should I cut the trunk shorter or is it a good height? Have I screwed up completely or is the right path?

In my experience, If they are all perenials,I would put them into containers, or plastic hefty bags, and tie off for the root ball, water well, then transplant into their new locations.. If you plan on keeping them in pot, water well, then stick them in a place by winter, where once they are frozen they stay that way until the spring. That means covering them with a bunch of leaves, or putting them into the shade away from winter winds out of the sun to prevent thawing and freezing, or burying them in the the ground in the containers, until you figure where you would like them to go in the spring. I have done this, and it worked well for me. The nursery I live near does this to all the ones they don't sell in containers, especially their trees and perenials. They bury them with mulch, or cover them with burlap grouped together under shade cloths.. Some may react with no or less blossoms by next year, but they will survive and bring their glorious beauty to you by the following growing season once established. Mike

Provided the soil they will be planted in, they should do just fine, and do not need to have the roots spread out. Actually doing this. may damage some of the smaller ones, and cause transplant shock. Be sure to add plenty of soil looseners and a transplant fertilizer once they are transplanted. Green Light brand offers a transplant fertilizer, that also encourages more rooting, as well as having vitamins. I use it here when transplanting any trees, shrubs, or any other larger root systems. Rosemary, once extablished, isnt very fussy about the soil requirements.

This year I had fruit plus a 2nd set of blossoms already on an Early Girl & it transplanted just fine last month even with our cool weather in WA state. Now have 2 more sets of blossoms and those fruits are growing nicely. Try trench planting it. Dig your hole at an angle big enough for the bucket to fit. Test it using another bucket. I usually do about 45 degrees, but do whatever angle works for fitting in another plant in your space. Amend the hole with what is recommended in your area. Here we add a handful of calcium carbonate and bonemeal and about 1/2 cup complete organic fertilizer & mix up. Use a scissor to remove the lower leaves up to the fruiting leaves. Be sure the fruiting leaves won't be touching the soil when planted. Water with warm water only for the 1st week or so. This has worked for me.