Edmonds Shrub & Tree Transplanting & Relocation
Transplanting a shrub or small tree is no casual task! If it’s done the wrong way, your beloved plants can face root shock, damage, and a struggle to flourish afterward. But fear not! We’re here to make sure your plants thrive in their new homes and settle in beautifully!
Why Might You Need to Move Your Plants?
Here are some common reasons you might consider relocating your green friends:
- Space Constraints: Your plant might be crowding sidewalks or blocking windows.
- Light Issues: Too much sun or too little can lead to weak growth.
- Root Concerns: Roots that are too close to foundations, walkways, or sewer lines can create headaches.
- Renovation Projects: Why throw away a lovely plant when you can relocate it?
- Drainage Problems: Gardens that are soggy in winter or dry in summer can benefit from a move.
- Plant Love: Sometimes, you just want your favorite plant in a better spot.
Quick Tip: If you’re thinking about moving plants in the public right-of-way (like street trees), permits may be necessary. And safety first—call 811 before we dig!
What We Move (and When)
- Shrubs: We handle a variety including azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias, hydrangeas, boxwoods, laurels, pieris, and more.
- Small Trees: Japanese maples, vine maples, serviceberries, dogwoods, and others.
- Best Season for Transplanting: Late fall to early spring is ideal when plants are dormant—less stress for them! Summer moves are possible but require a bit more TLC.
- Size Considerations: We can manage plants with up to a 4” trunk caliper or shrubs around 6–7’ wide without needing cranes. If you’ve got larger specimens, we’ll provide honest alternatives.
Our Transplant Method (the secret sauce!)
- Planning & Marking: We assess the plant’s dripline and dig the new hole first to ensure a smooth transition.
- Root-Ball Preparation: We create a snug root ball using burlap or straps, following the rule of thumb: 10–12” ball per 1” trunk.
- Careful Lift & Placement: We make sure the plant is at the correct depth (with the root flare visible) and positioned ideally for sun and wind.
- Backfill & Watering: We backfill with native soil first, adding other materials only if absolutely necessary.
- Staking if Needed: Low, flexible staking is provided for 3–9 months, ensuring it’s removed once the plant is stable.
- Watering Basin & Mulch: We apply a 2–3” layer of mulch, carefully pulled back from the trunk to prevent rot (no more “volcano” mulching!).
Annual Maintenance Plan (Your Yard’s Best Friend)
Our aftercare routine ensures your transplants not only survive but thrive:
- Establishment Watering: We provide a simple schedule for the first 6 weeks, tapering off as the roots establish (or we can handle it for you).
- Mulch Top-ups: Keeping roots cool and weeds at bay.
- Structural Pruning: Light corrective cuts after leaf-out to ensure healthy growth.
- Targeted Fertilization: Only if necessary, based on soil conditions—not a shot in the dark.
- Staking & Tie Removal: We check and typically remove stakes at 6–9 months, allowing trunks to strengthen naturally.
We prioritize low-maintenance landscaping. Our goal is to minimize issues between visits and lighten your workload!
Service Cadences (Find Your Fit)
- Quarterly: A spring and fall deep clean + two transplant check-ups.
- Bi-Monthly: A balanced option for most Edmonds yards.
- Monthly (first 90 days only): Perfect for summer moves or larger specimens needing extra care.
What Annual Maintenance Includes
- Deep Watering Plan: Clear guidelines on gallons-per-week based on plant size.
- Basin Reshaping & Mulch Refresh: Addressing slumps or washouts to keep things looking sharp.
- Light Structural Pruning and Deadwood Removal: Keeping plants healthy and tidy.
- Pest/Disease Monitoring: Regular checks for issues like lace bug, root rot, or sunscald.
- Soil Enhancements: Making adjustments for compaction relief, adding organic matter, or managing water issues.
Why Annual Maintenance Matters
- Increased Survival Rates: Less transplant shock leads to more root regrowth and thriving plants.
- Better Structure Early On: Correct scaffolding now means fewer large cuts later.
- Water Efficiency: Ensuring the right volume and frequency saves you resources.
- Cleaner Beds: Fewer weeds competing with your new roots.
How It Works
- Free Estimate: We make it easy with photos/videos or quick walkthroughs, providing clear, upfront pricing.
- Set Your Schedule: Choose from quarterly, bi-monthly, or monthly options.
- Service Day: We’ll lift, move, and plant your trees or shrubs correctly, plus prune, edge, and refresh mulch/gravel & lawns as needed.
- Follow-Up: We provide you with a simple watering chart, check-ins at 2–6 weeks, and easy add-ons if you’d like.
Why Edmonds Chooses Neat & Tidy
- A local crew that knows Edmonds’s unique hills, alleys, and tight spaces inside out.
- Licensed & insured; we ensure utility locations are checked before every dig.
- Transparent pricing — all labor, hauling, and disposal included.
- Clean, punctual work; we leave no mess behind.
- A green-first approach to minimize landfill waste (we reuse plants whenever possible).
Ready to make a move—without the risk?
Call or text Neat & Tidy for a quick quote and a tailored transplant + aftercare plan that suits your yard perfectly. We’ll keep it neat and tidy—so you don’t have to!
