transplant a magnolia Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree is notoriously unmanageable , because its roots can propagate far beyond the tree ’s canopy . But if your magnolia ( Magnolia , spp . ) is still a young tree and you have time to contrive ahead and take precautions , you may be successful .

There are multiple species in the Magnolia genus ; among the most common are the southerly magnolia ( M. grandiflora;USDA zones 7 to 9 ) and star magnolia ( M. stellata;zones 5 to 9 ) .

When to Transplant a Magnolia Tree

Transplant magnolia seedlings or trees in the fall before the first frost or in the spring . If you live in the colder parts of its zone , leaping is favour , so it wo n’t have to weather a very cold-blooded wintertime after transplanting .

Preparing a Magnolia Tree for Transplanting

First , measure your tree ’s diam at thorax peak . If it ’s more than 4 in in diameter , infer that it may not outlive if you dig it out and transfer it . If your magnolia is larger and it ’s just in a spoiled spot , you may have to just remove , since you likely wo n’t be able to transplant it successfully .

Ideally , you should rootle prune your tree six months or even up to a year before transplanting . So , if you design to transplant it in the fall , root prune it in the leaping . If you are going for a spring transplanting time , root cut it in the fall .

What Is Root Pruning?

source pruning does just that : It rationalize the ascendant , with the finish that they will grow back within a more confine space . Using a abrupt shovel or spade , sink it in a circle around your tree diagram at least 12 in from the trunk , bet on the size of it of the tree . This should encourage new root growth inside the cut surface area .

Digging Out the Tree

On transplanting day , gather your tools before starting . You ’ll call for a shovel , a sharp spade or garden knife , and a tarpaulin or large piece of burlap .

Though magnolias have fair shallow roots , they can unfold outward up to 40 feet .

Replanting the Tree

Root balls are backbreaking . If you are moving it to a different location in your yard , you’re able to likely drag the tarpaulin with the theme ball to your new hole . If , alternatively , you ’re moving it to an only fresh location , you may draft assistance to snarf it into a vehicle .

Ease the tree into its new hole ; then backfill it with native dirt after having remove soil clods or rocks . Water thoroughly . expert recommend adding 2 or 3 inches of mulch around the automobile trunk , but do n’t let it follow into contact with the tree itself . Mulch helps deter weeds and maintain wet .

After-Transplant Care

Monitor the tree ’s wet layer regularly , as newly transplanted trees or bush need a lot of urine to insure the roots stay moist while they are tot up newfangled growth .

fecundate only after the tree has put out new development , so you get it on it ’s constitute . Start with 1 cupful of a balanced fertilizer , such as 8 - 8 - 8 or 10 - 10 - 10 , and disseminate it around the fix in other spring , late spring and mid - summertime . Increase the amount of fertiliser each year after transplanting : 2 cups in the 2nd year and 4 cup in the third twelvemonth . After that , it should be able to get its nutrients on its own .

References

A close-up of the leaves of a southern magnolia tree.