Moving a large plant, whether a heavy potted specimen or a small balled-and-burlapped tree, requires a focused approach to minimize stress and prevent physical damage. Success depends on careful planning, as these plants are susceptible to injury from root disturbance and environmental changes. Their size and weight demand specialized handling and securing techniques to ensure their survival during transit.
Preparing the Plant for Transit
The preparation phase focuses on the plant’s structural integrity and hydration status before any movement begins. Proper watering is a foundational step, requiring the plant to be thoroughly hydrated one to two days before the move. This timing allows the soil to become moist but not saturated, which prevents the root ball from crumbling during handling and avoids excessive weight during transport.
Pruning is another important preparatory action, serving to reduce both the overall size and the physiological stress of the plant. Removing dead, damaged, or overly long branches helps make the plant more manageable and reduces the foliage mass the root system must support after the shock of being moved. For balled-and-burlapped (B&B) trees, the root ball must be carefully wrapped in natural burlap and secured with rope and pins to maintain its shape.
Foliage and branches must be secured gently to prevent breakage during the process of lifting and loading. Soft materials, such as old sheets, garden netting, or burlap, should be used to wrap the canopy and lightly tie up sprawling branches toward the main stem. This bundling prevents the limbs from catching on obstacles and protects the leaves from abrasion, but it must not be so tight as to damage the plant structure.
Safe Loading and Securing Techniques
The physical relocation of a large plant demands the use of appropriate moving equipment to ensure safety and prevent damage. Dollies, hand trucks, and specialized moving straps are necessary for maneuvering large containers or root balls, with portable ramps proving invaluable for loading onto a vehicle. When lifting, lift the plant by its container or the base of the root ball, never by the trunk or stem.
Vehicle choice is a significant factor in preventing damage. Enclosed vans offer the best protection from the elements, but open trucks or trailers are often necessary for the largest specimens. If an open vehicle is used, the plant should be laid on its side if possible, or the foliage must be protected from windburn, which can rapidly desiccate the leaves at highway speeds.
Securing the plant for the journey requires stabilizing the base and protecting the canopy from movement. The pot or root ball must be braced tightly with blocks, padding, or tie-downs to prevent shifting or toppling, ensuring the plant remains upright to minimize stress. Foliage can be covered with a light, permeable fabric like a sheet or burlap, which protects against wind and sun exposure without trapping excessive heat or moisture.
Post-Transport Recovery and Care
Upon arrival at the new location, the plant must be gently unwrapped and inspected for any signs of damage, such as broken branches or scraped bark, which should be addressed quickly. The most immediate concern is minimizing transplant shock, a common stress response caused by root disturbance and the change in environment. The plant should be placed in a suitable location that mimics its previous light conditions but is initially shielded from direct, intense sunlight.
Acclimation to the new environment is a gradual process, especially if the light exposure is different, and the plant should be slowly introduced to full sun over several days or weeks. Immediately after placement, the soil should be thoroughly watered to settle the roots and ensure adequate hydration, maintaining a consistently moist, but not waterlogged, condition.
For the first few weeks, it is best to avoid applying fertilizer, as the plant is focused on root regeneration rather than foliar growth, and concentrated nutrients can burn stressed roots. Monitoring for signs of stress, such as wilting or leaf drop, is important, and pruning back a small amount of foliage can help balance the plant’s water needs against its compromised root system.