Transplanting Trees and Shrubs

MYTH BUSTERS SERIES

THE FACTS

Tree staking is seldom necessary, but when trees are staked, they are typically staked TOO HIGH, TOO TIGHTLY, and for TOO LONG.

• Improperly staked trees grow taller than wider.
• When a tree stake is removed, a lack of trunk and root development makes the tree vulnerable to breakage or blow-down.

Newly planted trees CAN require staking if:

MYTH BUSTERS SERIES

THE FACTS

Plants with woody roots often need corrective root pruning before transplanting.

MYTH BUSTERS SERIES

THE FACTS

Adding organic matter, fertilizer or other substances to the planting hole of a LARGE TREE or PERENNIAL SHRUB can REDUCE plant growth

Adding amendments to backfill promotes root growth, but

- Roots and water DO NOT move well across the interface between amended soil and native soil 

MYTH BUSTERS SERIES

IN THIS SERIES the Thompson Shuswap Master Gardeners will break down commonly held gardening myths and uncover the truth behind them.

These posts will debunk prolific gardening myths and will include alternative environmentally responsible gardening methods based on research by Dr. Linda Chalker-Scott, Robert Pavlis, and various University Extensions.

Posters of these commonly held gardening myths are included as .pdf documents at the bottom of this page.

MYTHS: