How to move potted plants that roots in the ground?

[ameliahollis89]

  

Hi there,

I need some advice on these two trees that are in pots. One of them is a Figtree I think and the other taller one I am unsure. They have really grown extensively in the last three years and I suspect the roots are in the ground. My dilemma is that I have sold my house and I would like to take them with me to my new home. Is it best to leave them if the roots have broken through the pot and leave them or is there a way to transport them without harming the plant?

[JacobZ]

Hi @ameliahollis89,

The decision to leave them or take them depends on how attached you are to them and the extent of the escaped roots. If they are completely rooted into the ground like in-ground trees, removal could set them back badly and even kill them. But figs, especially, are tough and often bounce back, even after hard root pruning.

If you want to take them with you, the first step is to gently check under or around the pots to see how firmly they’re attached. Sometimes only a few roots escape, and these can be carefully cut with a sharp spade or long knife. If the roots have thickened and spread deeply, the risk is considerably higher. 

If you do cut the roots free, it’s best to do it a few weeks before the move, so the plant can begin healing while still in place. Water the trees well before and after the cut. When moving day comes, lift them carefully, pot and all, and keep them upright during transport. Once at your new home, place them in a similar sunny spot, water deeply, and add seaweed concentrate to reduce transplant stress.

Allow me to tag our experienced gardeners @Noelle, @robchin and @mich1972 to see what they think.

You might also like to check out How To Move An Advanced Or Mature Tree for further guidance.

Jacob

[Noelle]

Hi @ameliahollis89 

In addition to the root pruning that Jacob has suggested if you decide to take the potted figs with you, and they have roots extending out of the drainage holes, I'd suggest pruning the top growth as well to compensate for the loss of the roots. This will reduce the stress on the trees while they develop new roots.

[ameliahollis89]

Thank you so much Jacob for your advice. I am very attached to these trees and want to take them with me. Today my husband checked under the pot and the pot could move with the tree to the side which I think is a great sign as if it was fully rooted the tree would t have moves so much. The pot is damaged and totally cracked down the side of one of the trees so I plan on buying huge pot and replanting this tree in the new pot. Any tips on what soil I should use and fertiliser? Also any particular style of pot you think eg. Ceramic or fibre glass or doesn’t it matter? Also I will prune the trees right back before transplanting to the new pot. Thank you so much for the advice I am relieved I can actually take them.

[ameliahollis89]

Thank you Noelle. I definitely will prune them right back and should I do this before I transplant the tree into a new pot as the current pot has cracked? Thank you I welcome any tips to help keep these sentimental trees alive and well for our move.

[JacobZ]

Hi @ameliahollis89,

The fact that the pot is moving is definitely a positive sign. Giving them a good prune will help them adapt to the move and replanting into a larger pot will give the tree some fresh room to grow. It would certainly be worthwhile giving them a prune before repotting.

When it comes to soil, a high-quality, premium potting mix such as Scotts Osmocote 50L Premium Plus Superior Potting Mix is the way to go. It contains a combination of additives, including 6 months' worth of fertiliser, that will help the trees adapt to the change in environment. You can add a tonic such as Seasol Concentrate when watering them in after repotting, then follow up with a slow-release fertiliser such as Scotts Osmocote All Purpose Controlled Release Fertiliser in a few months' time.

As for pots, both ceramic and fibreglass can work well – the main thing is making sure the pot has good drainage holes. Fibreglass tends to be lighter and easier to move, while ceramic is sturdier but heavier. Considering the move, a lightweight pot would likely be a better option. Just make sure that the pots are larger than the ones your trees were previously in.

Good luck and let me know if there is anything else I can assist with.

Jacob

[ameliahollis89]

Thank you so much Jacob.

how do I know if the pot has good drainage holes? Do I need to use drainage cell in the bottom of a pot or is just planting in a pot with holes ok? I have had a problem in the past where the roots blocked the drainage hole and the plant got root rot bad and I would hate that to happen to these trees.

[EricL]

Hello @ameliahollis89 

Most large pots have a set number of drainage holes in them that allow for water to flow through, but at the same time does not compromise the strength of the bottom of the pot. However, drilling a few extra holes at the bottom will not hurt especially if you are worried about water logging inside the pot.

Your tree appears to be very mature and will no doubt spread its roots as much as possible. I suggest installing some drainage cell just to be on the safe side. This will guarantee that your plant will drain properly and keep the roots dry. 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric