===== Transplanting steps =====

Here are my abbreviated instructions for transplanting plants with a root ball (not bare root transplants).

<note>I limit my attempts to plants shorter than 3 feet with a diameter at the base of less than 1/2".
</note>

From my experience adding bare root plants I maintain the original root ball whenever I can.
==== Root pruning ====

First prepare the plant to consolidate it's root system by defining the size of the root ball.

I do this in fall when a plant has lost its leaves.

Based on the size of the plant, decide the likely size of the root ball. 

Push with a sharp shovel a circle around the base of the plant to the depth of a shovel. This severs roots that have extended away from the base. It encourages the plant to manage with a reduced root ball and defines the size of the hole to be prepared.

==== Prepare the new hole ====

Prepare a hole about 50% wider than the size of the root ball defined in pruning. I guess how deep the hole needs to be 

Filter out rocks and debris.





==== Digging up the plant ====

Move the plant to its new home just before it begins to return from dormancy in the spring.

Dig up the root ball, which has consolidated as a result of the root pruning. Capture as much of the root system that is within the defined circle.


Add subsoil from the hole.
Adding top soil collected or imported.

I add amendments such as potassium and phosphorous, but not nitrogen. Sometimes I add root stimulator if I have disturbed the root ball. 


==== Water the soil around the plant ====

==== Regular watering ====

Regular watering for the first year at least, to boost each through the summer droughts.

==== Detailed explantations on transplanting ====

For detailed explanations on transplanting trees and shrubs see:
<note>[[https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/transplanting-established-trees-shrubs/|Detailed transplanting How-to]]</note>