Transplanting: how, why, when?

Posted by: Deryn Davidson, Boulder County Extension

As gardeners we're always trying out new plants to see what works and what doesn't. Sometimes you score and that plant that didn't work over here, works perfectly in that tough spot in the corner of the yard that you've never been able to get anything to grow. Sometimes...not so much. But, that's the nature of gardening! Lots of trial and error and experimenting.

Depending on what plant you're transplanting, the proper technique will vary slightly, but there are general concepts that hold true no matter what. Typically you want to transplant early or late in the season when the temps are cooler. You want as little disturbance to the root-ball of the plant as possible. You want the soil that you're moving the plant into to be pre-moistened and ready to receive the plant. I've seen folks drop transplants into dry, dusty holes...not very hospitable. And once you have the plant planted, water in thoroughly to get rid of any air pockets left in the soil and to settle the plant in.

Sometimes, the reason for transplanting is that you planted something years ago that has done really well, it loved the spot, is super healthy, but it's outgrown that spot. Then what do you?? Well, check out this example of one such scenario:

Click on link: "What Does It Take To Move A 10-Story Tree A Couple Of City Blocks?"

100 year old Giant Sequoia being moved/transplanted to a new location

An amazing feat for an amazing tree!!! I hope that it's a success, time will tell.

Happy gardening!

Giant Sequoia

Posted by Robert Cox, CSU Extension - Arapahoe County

 

 

How many times have you heard “ you can’t grow __ in Colorado”?  

Giant Sequoia is one of those plants – Sequoiadendron giganteum doesn’t even sound like a tree that could survive here….but there are several growing in landscapes along the Front Range – in Fort Collins, Boulder, Denver, Englewood and Colorado Springs.    Pueblo and Grand Junction may have a few growing within their city limits too.  

The Gardens at Spring Creek, Fort Collins.  Photo courtesy Jim Klett.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you’re a little tired of the standard landscape conifers – pinyon, ponderosa and Austrian pines, Colorado spruce, arborvitae and juniper – Giant Sequoia may be worth a try.   And...how many plant names have four vowels in succession? That alone makes planting  one worthwhile. 

Needles are somewhat juniper-like

Interesting cones

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now for the Extension disclaimer:  Giant Sequoia in Colorado is unlikely to achieve the height and girth of those growing in California’s National Parks, some of them over 250 feet tall and 30 feet diameter at the base.    (Well, OK, if one eventually becomes that big here…don’t call to brag or tell me I was wrong).  

Giant Sequoia - California

 

Giant Sequoia is rated at Zone 5-6 hardiness, but may tolerate -20 degrees once it is well-established. The cultivar ‘Hazel Smith’ is touted as the hardiest of all Giant Sequoias.  You’ll probably have to order it or any Giant Sequoia from an online mail-order nursery. 

Plant in spring or early summer to give it some time to establish before winter arrives.     Ideally, plant it in a sunny, protected spot, in well-drained soil.

 

Young tree in Fort Collins park.  Photo courtesy Jim Klett.

To view photos and locations of Giant Sequoia in Colorado, see   

http://www.giant-sequoia.com/gallery/usa/colorado/