Emergency transplanting shrubs....need advice

16 years ago

OK, I'm going to have a nice long rant in just a minute. So I'll ask my question early in case any of you tire of reading this message before its conclusion:

I just rescued some 4-5 foot tall Virburnum, Camelia and a few Hydrangeas & azaleas that have been sitting uprooted and exposed in a brush pile for a couple of weeks. Some are definitely still alive and I just got them replanted and soaked today. Is cutting them back right now the thing to do to try to help these plants (I don't even care about blooms next year) or will that hurt them more, especially this close to winter?? Any advice to help me save them is appreciated.

Now, onto the rant:

I thought I was going to have a stroke today...

Last year my Father-in-law gave me a budget and asked me to landscape his new cabin. I thought I got alot of bang for his buck, shopped around for good sources with lower prices and bought quite a few nice 1-3 gallon perennials/shrubs and landscaped the property. I did it ALL myself, moved truckloads of topsoil and filldirt BY HAND and spent alot of time planning and effort planting. It paid off, he loved it and it looked beautiful. Lost a couple of Azaleas to the drought this summer that were out around the trees but everything in the beds was alive and well.

Well, he got married shortly after I landscaped. And 1 year later my new stepmother-in-law decides she wants something better and wants to "surprise" him for his birthday by hiring professional landscapers to come in and redo everything. It's her money so whatever she wants to do with it is her buisness.

I didn't know about it until after it was done which was almost 2 weeks ago now and I had yet to see it. And today he asked me to run some tools and supplies down to the cabin for him. I'm not going to lie, the new landscaping looks great. She paid them ALOT of money and they brought in alot of plants -- roughly (60) 3 gallon shrubs & Knockout roses, (3) 10 gallon Camelias, a 10 gallon Holly, (3) 7 gallon Leyland Cypress, ~ 10 5 gallon Loropetalum & camelias, ornamental grasses, etc.. The list goes on.

But I thought I would be sick when I saw most of the plants I planted last year had been ripped out and thrown into the brush pile. They're roots have been exposed for going on 2 weeks now. Some of them still have green tissue when I snap a limb and others I can't tell if they're still alive or not. I pulled out 4 once BEAUTIFUL virbunum, a variegated hydrangea, a Lady in Red Hydrangea, 3 Encore Azaleas, 1 standard Azalea, a Camelia, a bag full of creeping phlox, several Pandora's box daylilies. There's many more smaller perennials, daylilies and more shrubs that are unaccounted for which are probably toast. I propagated many of those perennials myself and even bought some shrubs with my own money when his budget was running low.

I don't care so much if she wanted to change things since she lives there now, but it would have been nice if she'd mentioned it to me....I would have gladly gone down there the day they re-landscaped and brought back whatever they removed. Those plants were big and healthy and were NOT cheap. I know this is common practice for alot of landscapers and I understand they don't have time to care for what they remove. Still, I can't believe they'd throw away plants that nice that had only been in the ground 1 year and not at least use them to landscape some other area of the yard. I wonder if they even asked her about them....she has yet to return the call I made inquiring about what happened to all of last year's plants. I made the call before I found the "graveyard".

What a waste of beautiful plants!! Grrrrr.

Danielle

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (12)

danita
16 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Oh, I'm so sorry Danielle! That must have been a heartbreaking discovery.
buford
16 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I wouldn't cut back. They will lose leaves, that's normal. But since everything is going dormant now, who cares. Sometimes cutting back is more stressful for a plant. If there are any buds/blooms on them, remove them.

Of course you'll have to water these guys regularly until hopefully they establish new roots.
Related Discussions
what transplants well and what doesn't transplant well?
Q
Comments (16)
First for those who have offered their suggestions input and advice and taking time to post on this thread and help me, thank you. I very much appreciate it and you have my gratitude. People have told me numerous things regarding what does transplant well. However I do have some questions still because I'm a little unclear on some stuff that has been said regarding transplanting. According to what some have said most of the time anything that is leafy and green (any kind of lettuce, spinach, and collards) is normally direct sown. However are the reasons that these crops are normally direct sown is because they don't make good candidates for seedling transplantation, or are they able to be started from seed ahead of time indoors and will they transplant well? Is it recommended that they're direct sown (as with root veggies) because they just don't transplant well or can you do either or with leafy green stuff (start them as seedling transplants indoors and then transplant them outdoors or is it recommended you direct sow them where they're to grow). Another question I have is that people have strongly recommended that I plant scallions, onions, and chives indoors then transplant them outdoors. However I thought as a rule-of-thumb that root veggies are to be direct sown because they don't transplant well. Are members of the onion family (chives, onion, and scallions) considered root vegetables? Another thing I have a question about is people who have responded to this thread said they normally direct sow peas. Is this because peas don't transplant well or does it make any difference whether or not they're direct sown or can they be started in peat pots indoors and the seedling transplants transplanted at outdoors at a later date? Also what is a root ball? I know that the root systems of seedlings that are started indoors have to be well developed before they're transplanted or when you go to transplant your seedling transplants they will just die. Justaguy2 something I don't understand is that you told me the secret to successful transplantation is starting seedlings quickly and having them transplanted 2-3 weeks after germination. What I don't understand is wouldn't that be transplanting the seedlings too soon? I don't really know anything about seedling transplanting but what I do know is that if the root systems of the plants you're transplanting aren't sufficiently developed when you go to transplant you're seedling transplants they will not transplant well at all. The other questions I have that people failed to answer that I asked are these: *I'd like to use the method of emulating a breeze for the seedlings via using a fan. When should I introduce this to the seedlings (how old should they be)? How many times a day should I use the fan to emulate a breeze for the seedlings and what is the length of time I should keep the fan on when I do this for the seedlings? The reason I'd like to do this is because it will overall make the seedlings stronger. I know that with seedlings when you transplant seedling transplants you are supposed to follow certain guidelines with temperature, time of day, and weather conditions. What are as a rule of thumb, these guidelines? When during the day should you transplant them? Morning? Afternoon? Evening? What should the weather be like? Also this is going to seem like a very dumb question but how do you carefully transplant seedlings well? I've never done seedling transplants so I don't know how to carefully transplant a seedling. I could use advice with this.
...See More
Emergency transplanting advice
Q
Comments (1)
It would my opinion to put them in separate containers and replant as soon as possible and water regularly I would also get some root stimulator I think Ferti-lome makes it or ask you local garden center for something similar to prevent trans plant shock digging them up several times would be really hard on these types of plants I would even think about getting some burlap to put in your containers so you can lift them out when its time to replant watering after replanting will be important even during the winter it gets dry then too don't give up it would be tough to lose 5-8 year old plants Good luck
...See More
Emergency peony rescue
Q
Comments (2)
Here's what I would do: I would dig up the peony NOW and pot it up. I would remove all flower buds as they appear so the plant does not spend its energy on producing flower and seed. Keep it in partial to full sun in the pot throughout the summer being sure to keep it properly watered. When fall comes around again, divide up the plant into 3-5 eyed sections and plant wherever you like. Hm, how far out of the ground are your peonies right now? You might be able to get away with digging, dividing, and transplanting now, if it's not too far along. Though, I would still not let it flower this year to conserve the plant's energy. And now for the experts to critique...
...See More
Emergency Tree Peony Transplant Quandry
Q
Comments (2)
Go ahead and plant your tree peony. Think of the pot in your case as a solid plastic bag used for carrying. Most of the posts concerning putting in pots concern plants that will be kept in the pot for awhile. I would not fertilize when you plant wait until after the first freezes or my favorite time late December through early March. Fertilizing now could stimulate the buds on the plant to put out growth at this time of the year. Several people I know use afalfa pellets because they only release nutriants as they breakdown. I would cut off the current leaves. When I cut the leaves off I leave the leaf stems on the plant as I have many deer and the crown of stems pricks their noses and they tend to leave them alone when I have the crown. The crown does not stop them from cutting the stems below so put a wire cage around the plant for at least this year. Go ahead and plant the root section that fell off depending on the type you may have additional plants from them but not often. If any branches have been broken during the trip cut them off and place in moist soil somewhere shady. I have had deer broken stems grow. As far as eyes you may find some on the tree peony but generally they develop later in the year. The stem of most tree peonies contain both root and stem forming cells. New stems will first appear as small buds, called eyes on regular peonies, then the buds will start to grow unfurling the stem then the leaves as it breaks surface. On your regular peonies you should see pink and/or white nubs on the roots. These are what are called eyes. The color of the bud makes no difference in the color of the bloom. You probably will need a saw to divide the peonies. After dividing I like to allow the cut area to dry before planting. In my type of soil a moist cut can invite all kinds of bacteria and fungi into the root. You probably will see all kinds of white roots they are fine but if you see any old roots that look like a beads of a string cut those off and throw in the trash. These are caused by a nematode that causes roots to have thes knots. Most soils have this nematode but if yours is one of the rare soils that do not have any you don't want to become infected. FYI look at tree peony to see if it can be cut apart to form two or more plants. Some of the older ones when the roots are washed off will divide themselves and you end up with several plants.
...See More
quirkyquercus
16 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I'm so sorry to hear that has happened. That must have really been heart breaking to see as was mentioned. I hope you are able to rescue the plants that were dug up and discarded and I replied to your post in the lawn forum by the way.
Iris GW
16 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I wouldn't bother cutting them back at this type of year. Potential for more harm than good by exposing fresh cuts to winter air. Glad you able to save them!
squirrellypete
Original Author
16 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Thanks for the advice guys....I knew as fellow plant lovers you'd sympathize lol. Thankfully I think I've calmed down a little now. So, now for the next pressing question....should I still invite her to Thanksgiving?!? (hehe just kidding)

I'll let the plants be as Buford and Esh recommended and make sure they get adequate moisture. It also didn't occur to me about removing buds...I'll have to examine them more closely today.

Thanks for the good wishes, and Quirky I'm heading over to the lawn forum now.

Sincerely, Danielle
pam_3
16 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Have her over for T-Day. Then... just trim off enough of the "graveyard" plants (which sounded much prettier than her selection of all the usuals, btw) so you can make a pretty natural Thanksgiving table decoration. Be sure to point it out to her. Hee hee. Ok, I'm just being vindictive. Knowing how much work you put in on top of the waste of perfectly good plants bugs me. Sigh...inlaws.
Pam
quirkyquercus
16 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Making a table centerpiece with a dead viburnum idea is something *I* would do. It is scary to know that there is at least one other person in the area with similar thoughts of practical jokery going through their head. LOL
squirrellypete
Original Author
16 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
lmao I like your suggestion Pam! You and Quirky are scary...in a good way though. I know who to go to now if I need to plot a plant-related revenge.

Quirky, I just noticed your "zone 0" lol. Did you just change it? If it's been that way for a while you can make fun of me for being slow.

Sincerely, Danielle
stevega
16 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I'm a father in law. I would be so appreciative of my daughter in law's efforts to landscape that I would make sure that she knew well in advance if I (or anyone else) were going to make major changes.

It is certainly a waste and would make me feel sick too. He and she would have a lot of ground to make up before I ever went out of my way for them again.
Hopefully, some plants will survive and florish
quirkyquercus
16 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Yeah I know, steve. It's like making your mom a macaroni necklace and having her take it apart and giving the macaronies to a gourmet chef to cook for dinner.

And Danielle, you're actually pretty quick, I just changed that today. I change that about once a month. It's like my little blog.
squirrellypete
Original Author
16 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Hehe Quirky, well good, I'm not slow after all.

SteveGA -- my Father-in-law didn't know what was going on until after it was done. It was a birthday surprise...she told him she was hiring someone to come mow down the overgrown brush on the unlandscaped areas of the property. They only go down to the cabin on weekends and she paid the landscaper to come in during the week prior to his birthday. He had no prior knowledge, it's her I'm a bit peeved at for not thinking it might be a good idea to at least let me know what she wanted to do. I really don't have any problems with it if they had decided to go a different way. I tried a more minimal approach so that the cabin would blend in with its natural woodsy surroundings but I think that style was lost on her. What's there now is certainly going to be beautiful but moreso what you would see in front of a big new subdivision or shopping center. I wouldn't think Knockout Roses are a smart choice for under a tree canopy but hey, this guy was a "professional" so who am I to argue. Not that they won't live but I wouldn't think they'll bloom too great without much sun. He also moved the Hosta I had planted in a shade bed near the house out into a part of the front yard that actually gets hot afternoon sun. I guess I should be thankful he didn't throw them away, and I know some Hosta can stand more sun than others but I have a hunch they won't do so great there. Will have to wait and see the results next year. Maybe I'll sneak over there and move them back under cover of darkness lol!

Danielle
Iris GW
16 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
I don't talk to my in-laws about gardening anymore. I tried but we apparently have way different ideas. They are late 60's and recently moved into a new house on almost 3 acres. I tried to convince them to leave the back area "natural" with fallen leaves, mulch, etc. There were quite a few trees. They had the area between the trees bush hogged and planted grass. Now they have to mow all the time - at their age! It was too much for them so they hired someone to do it after just a few months. When they put the Bradford pear trees in, it was over between us. When they say something now about their yard, I just say "how nice".

Emergency transplanting shrubs....need advice

Comments (12)

danita

buford

Related Discussions

quirkyquercus

Iris GW

squirrellypete
Original Author

pam_3

quirkyquercus

squirrellypete
Original Author

stevega

quirkyquercus

squirrellypete
Original Author

Iris GW

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Emergency transplanting shrubs....need advice

Comments (12)

Related Discussions

squirrellypeteOriginal Author

squirrellypeteOriginal Author

squirrellypeteOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

squirrellypete
Original Author

squirrellypete
Original Author

squirrellypete
Original Author