Just transplanted 6 crepe myrtles.Any advice?
Randy Man
6 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (13)
trickyputt
6 years agojerzeegirl (FL zone 9B)
6 years agoRelated Discussions
Transplanted Crabapple Today (what did she just say??? lol)
Comments (11)"I would trim back the branches as there won't be enuff roots left to feed all of them. A good pruning has never hurt a tree." TOTALLY UNTRUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This would be one of the worst things you could possibly do! Robbing the tree of stored food and making it cover over those wounds instead of growing roots is a horrible idea. This old idea/practice has been completely debunked and long ago shown to be detrimental to the health and establishment of newly planted trees. Beegood, there are countless references, that describe why this is a bad idea, scattered throughout newer text books, internet material, and here in this forum. Here is a link that might be useful: The Myth of Top-Pruning Transplanted Material...See MoreJust transplanted 8 big azaleas: Root stimulator or not?
Comments (6)Root stimulator comes in flavors/potencies that I am going to call low, medium and high. I would recommend using the low potency on azaleas/rhodies and the boxwoods as they are both shallow rooted. Too much root stimulator or too much of the wrong type could cause a problem as you describe but it would probably not be localized to just the top of the plant. The boxwoods may also be having a bad case of transplant shock and-or a moisture issue since it is quite warm nowadays. Make sure they are well mulched and that the soil is not wet and not dry. Test your clayish soil using the finger method... insert a finger to a depth of 4" and determine if it feels dry, moist or wet. You want to avoid wet or moist-dry periods. Do not fertilize this year if the potting soil came with those round fertilizer pellets (otherwise, use a 10-6-4 NPK Fertilizer). Applying too much fertilizer to these shallow rooted plants can also cause browning (or yellowing) of leaves but it would not be localized at the top of the plant either. There are a host of other problems like root rot which causes dieback from the top of the plant, vole damage, etc. By the way, some leaf loss is common when planting them; I do not know if in your case the amount of leaf loss would be considered a lot or "ok" though....See Morecan i transplant peonies in early spring (zone 6/7)?
Comments (9)I gather than you don't have the option to wait til fall, so if it were me, I would try to dig them now before they leaf out, leaving as much soil as I could around them & transplant them into their permanent spot immediately. Of course, if these are really old clumps this would be hard, but I would try to keep as much intact as possible, not dividing them now. I know all the rules say they won't bloom the following year if you move them in the spring, but I have divided them a couple of times-before I knew about the rules-& they bloomed remarkably well the following spring. Keep in mind that some varieties may adapt more easily....See MoreFrost Proof Gardenia Advice - OUTDOORS Advice! Zone 6B
Comments (5)I'd not add mulch if you are keeping the fabric plus rocks. I'd worry that the roots will struggle as it is for oxygen. Soil gas exchange is necessary for a healthy rhizosphere; roots and microorganisms emit CO2 which needs to be able to freely exit the soil. Oxygen from the atmosphere replaces the CO2 within the soil's pore spaces...if not impeded by layers upon layers. A healthy mulch layer of an organic substance such as wood chips, bark nuggets, or pine straw is considered best for moderating soil temperatures, conserving moisture, and enhancing (even feeding) a vital soil microorganism population. That's the kind of soil environment that encourages a vigorous, strong root system. I'd plan on covering the shrubs for the first couple of years, using a woven material of some kind, no plastic. Avoid excess fertilization all of the time but never fertilize past the mid summer. Same goes for pruning.....avoid any growth promoting procedure past mid summer. Another good tip for promoting robust root systems more likely to withstand severe cold is to water intelligently. Avoid at all costs the kind of watering that encourages weak, shallow roots. I don't know how you can judge the moisture level of the soil and root ball under weed barrier and rocks, though. If you live in an area that experienced severe winter temperatures this past winter, please know that there won't be anything you can do under those conditions. But those times are the exception (we hope) and shouldn't dictate whether we want to 'push the envelope ' or not....See MoreRandy Man
6 years agolast modified: 6 years agotrickyputt
6 years agolast modified: 6 years agorhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
6 years agotrickyputt
6 years agoRandy Man
6 years agolast modified: 6 years agoRandy Man
6 years agoTiffany, purpleinopp Z8b Opp, AL
6 years agoRandy Man
6 years agobarbarag_happy
6 years agoRandy Man
5 years agolast modified: 5 years ago
Related Stories
GARDENING GUIDESGreat Design Plant: Crape Myrtle
With long-lasting blooms and gorgeous exfoliating bark, this ornamental tree brings bright color and a unique form to the landscape
Full StoryDECORATING GUIDES10 Design Tips Learned From the Worst Advice Ever
If these Houzzers’ tales don’t bolster the courage of your design convictions, nothing will
Full StoryLANDSCAPE DESIGNKoi Find Friendly Shores in Any Garden Style
A pond full of colorful koi can be a delightful addition to just about any landscape or garden
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDES6 Steps to Creating Your Butterfly Garden
Encourage these fanciful winged beauties to visit your garden while helping restore their fragmented habitat
Full StoryFALL GARDENING6 Trees You'll Fall For
Don’t put down that spade! Autumn is the perfect time for planting these trees
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDES6 Captivating Roses for an Alluringly Fragrant Garden
Perfume your garden with aromas from richly spicy to lightly sweet, without sacrificing an inch of color
Full StoryGARAGES6 Great Garage Conversions Dreamed Up by Houzzers
Pull inspiration from these creative garage makeovers, whether you've got work or happy hour in mind
Full StoryLANDSCAPE DESIGN6 Driveway Looks Take Landscapes Along for the Ride
See how to design a front yard that makes your driveway its own destination
Full StoryGARDENING GUIDES6 Plants That Beat Butterfly Bush for the Wildlife Draw
It's invasive, a nonnative and a poor insect magnet. Check out these better alternatives to butterfly bush in the garden
Full StoryLIFE6 Tips for Teaching Your Kids to Be Good Neighbors
Everyone wins when your children learn to respect boundaries, get help when they need it and show others they care
Full Story
Randy ManOriginal Author