From the plant's point of view, transplantation is a catastrophic event. My entire world—the soil that anchors me, the network of roots that draws water and nutrients, and the symbiotic fungi (mycorrhizae) that extend my reach—is being violently severed. The primary cause of my shock is the massive loss of fine, fibrous feeder roots. These delicate structures are responsible for the vast majority of water uptake. When they are damaged or left behind, I can no longer hydrate my extensive above-ground growth (the canes and leaves), leading to wilting, leaf drop, and a desperate struggle to survive.
To mitigate this shock, you must help me prepare for the move weeks in advance. The goal is to encourage the growth of new feeder roots closer to my main crown, which will travel with me to the new location. This process, known as root pruning, involves using a sharp spade to slice vertically into the soil in a circle around my drip line (the area directly below the outermost stems). This severs longer structural roots but stimulates the production of compact, new roots within the defined root ball. Doing this several weeks before the actual move allows me time to recover and generate these vital new structures while still in my stable, familiar environment.
When the day of the move arrives, your actions are critical. Please choose a day that is overcast and cool to minimize the stress from sun and heat. First, you must prepare my new home—a hole that is wider than it is deep, with loosened soil to allow my new roots to expand easily. Back at my original site, dig a trench around the pre-pruned circle, then work your way underneath my root ball. My goal is to keep as much of the native soil and the root ball intact as possible; this soil contains the microbial life I depend on. Once free, immediately place my root ball on a tarp to prevent it from breaking apart and gently move me to the new hole. The less jostling, the better.
My survival now depends on your aftercare. Position me in the new hole so that the graft union (the knobby base where the canes emerge) is level with the surrounding soil. Backfill with the native soil, watering thoroughly halfway through to eliminate air pockets that would desiccate my roots. Once planted, you must drastically reduce my top growth to compensate for the lost roots. Prune my canes back by at least one-half to two-thirds. This reduces the leaf surface area from which I lose water, bringing my top growth into balance with my reduced root capacity. Apply a thick layer of organic mulch over my root zone to conserve moisture and regulate soil temperature, but keep it away from my direct crown to prevent rot.
For the next several weeks, my entire existence is focused on regenerating my root system. I require consistent, deep watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The moisture encourages my remaining roots to grow into the new soil. Please resist the urge to fertilize me; my tender new roots are highly susceptible to burn. I need time, stable moisture, and protection from extreme elements to re-establish my connection to the earth. Your patience and careful attention to water are the final, crucial factors in helping me overcome the shock and thrive in my new location.
