[Gardening Advice] Broom to be moved

damien

We've got a Broom in our back garden and it's gotten too big for where it is so we want to move it. But do we need to do anything first? Is now the right time? Do we need to trim it back first and then after a week move it?

Advice would be appreciated.

Irish Gardener

Hello damien.m

Just to let you know, I have found that brooms have at best a 50 / 50 chance of transplant survival, less if older and larger.

The best time to move it would be in winter.
Moving a broom at other times will lessen the survival chances even further.

If you have to move it now I would firstly suggest watering it heavily around the base for 5 days.
Prepare and dig it new planting pit before you even attempt to lift your transplant.

The idea is to have your transplant out of the soil for as little time as possible.

Dig as wide as possible around it the broom and try to retain as much soil around the rootball as possible.
Try to tranplant on a calm misty day to prevent drying of the roots.

If moving it to another garden altogether, you should wrap the rootball in damp blankets, sheets or sacking, again to prevent drying out during transit.

After placing your tranplant into the new pit, backfill with a non sticky soil and water well.
Remember to stake your transplant in its new location as it is liable to wind rock.
Also remember to water,water, water for the first 6 months at least.

damien

Thanks.