Transplanting a small Douglas Fir advice - Ask Extension
Hello,I love native plants and about two years ago I planted a couple Douglas fir seedlings in my yard. They grew quickly and now stand about 6 feet...
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Transplanting a small Douglas Fir advice #736022
Asked January 02, 2021, 11:02 AM EST
Hello,
I love native plants and about two years ago I planted a couple Douglas fir seedlings in my yard. They grew quickly and now stand about 6 feet tall. I have decided to move them to a different part of my yard, but fear transplanting them could kill them. Can you give me advice about the best method & time of year to transplant them? I would like to know more about their root system before digging and I assume now would be a good time to dig them up (because they are somewhat dormant). But, the space to which they will end up will not be ready until May, so I likely must first keep them in a root-ball or inside a large pot with dirt. Thoughts?
I love native plants and about two years ago I planted a couple Douglas fir seedlings in my yard. They grew quickly and now stand about 6 feet tall. I have decided to move them to a different part of my yard, but fear transplanting them could kill them. Can you give me advice about the best method & time of year to transplant them? I would like to know more about their root system before digging and I assume now would be a good time to dig them up (because they are somewhat dormant). But, the space to which they will end up will not be ready until May, so I likely must first keep them in a root-ball or inside a large pot with dirt. Thoughts?
Clackamas County Oregon
Expert Response
Thank you for your question. Winter and summer are the two seasons NOT to transplant established trees. And digging them up now to keep until May is not a good idea. Here is an Extension article about this topic with advice on how and when to do this: https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/transplanting-established-trees-shrubs/
Hope this is helpful. Good luck!
