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Moving mature mugo pines & shrubs

3 years ago

Help!

We are re-landscaping our backyard and would like to keep most of the dwarf mugo pines (3ft wide), mock orange bush (5 ft high), peonies, perennials, etc. These will be moved to a different location in the yard. The landscaper said that he can move them but it will cost more (additional labour/time) and he doesn't think most will survive. The entire yard is being redone, so they would need to be uprooted (and temp. potted?) for about 2 weeks before they can be replanted their new home.

Can I do this myself? Do I need to pot them temporary or can I just wrap the root ball with burlap/tarp to prevent drying out? Any suggestions? Thank you.

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Comments (5)

einportlandor
3 years ago
Where do you live? When do you plan to do the work? How old are the plants?
B T
3 years ago
When are you proposing to do this? I assume you might try in the fall when there are cooler temperatures? And when the plants are dormant? Not sure where you live, but I would talk to someone at your local nursery (not big box store) and run your ideas past them.
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"Are these guys "miniatures"?" Some are, some aren't. If yours are a named cultivar, you should be able to check published mature sizes for that cultivar. If they are not a named cultivar, the mature size is very unpredictable, depending on the origin (see below). "Also, where are Mugos native too?" The mountains of southern and central Europe. There are two subspecies: Pinus mugo subsp. mugo. Alps, Balkan Mountains. A shrubby form, typically reaching 1-3m tall at maturity. Pinus mugo subsp. uncinata. Pyrenees, western Alps. A tree form, typically reaching 5-20m tall at maturity. Resin Here is a link that might be useful: More info at Gymnosperm Database
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If the mugos are otherwise healthy and alive I don't see why you would necessarily need to get rid of them. Although I find it a little bizarre that the mugos are only now putting out candles, I don't know that it's a great idea to pull out otherwise established shrubs and start all over again. There's also a bit of a difference in mature size for the shrubs in question, so that might affect your decision. Ultimately it's your call, but I would only take the expert's advice as what you could do rather than what you should do.
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Debbie, IME, I wouldn't do any transplanting of trees or shrubs unless it's early spring like April/May. Transplanting at this time may cause it to stress right out and die, that's the chance you take. However, if you're willing to baby it carefully each and every day, it may make it. As well, I'm not sure about only 4 hours of sun, I have mine on the west side of the house, it gets direct sun from about 12 noon on. My Lois Holes Favorite T&S book says that it likes the SUN. Sharon
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I'm not sure about the regulations in New York but, in our neck of the woods, we have to use nursery grown plant material. So many diseases these days, wholesale and retail nurseries are regularly inspected by... (well I can't remember the official government title). I would be out of business if I put in a mugo pine and it happen to be a carrier of a major virus that wiped out an entire ecosystem. I appreciate that you want to see your mugo's go to a good home. Maybe you should list them for free on Craig's List, to someone who would dig them out and forget about a profit.
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Mai_4a
Original Author
3 years ago
I'm in Zone 4a. The plan is to do this in Sept. The mugo pines and shrubs ( want to keep are about 15-20 yrs old. The peonies are about 2-3 yrs. They are in a dedicated raised bed with irises that have to be moved as the stairs will be build in that location.

I did speak to the staff at the nursery but they are not very helpful. Their advice was to let the landscaper take care of moving them. And to be prepared that some of them will not survive the winter.

I spoke to several landscaper and they suggest I just start with new plants.
Mai_4a
Original Author
3 years ago
I really want to save these mugo pines as i love the shape of them and their size. Any tips to making sure they survive the move and the winter at -30 C? Should I amend the soil with anything special?
B T
3 years ago
I am not a pro. I think you need to speak with someone who is ... maybe a local arborist? Or try another nursery where there are some really knowledgeable folks. If you have a neighbour that is a really good gardener, ask them who they would recommend. I live in zone 3 where winter temps go to to - 30 or -40. Moving plants that are that established is risky. Fall is definitely the time to do it. I wonder if a product such as Myke would be useful? Again, I’m not a pro. You could ask about this product at your local nursery. I know that the nurseries I deal with recommend this product whenever you buy a shrub or tree. Just an idea ... best wishes with your project.

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