Kent Shrub & Tree Transplanting & Relocation
Transplanting a shrub or small tree is a bit more involved than just digging a hole and plopping it down somewhere else. If not done right, you could end up with a plant that’s stressed out and struggling to survive. But don’t sweat it—we’re here to make sure your plants thrive after the move, setting them up for a happy life in their new spot!
Why Might You Need to Relocate Your Plants?
There are plenty of reasons you might want to give your plants a new home:
- Space Constraints: That beautiful shrub is now blocking your pathway or overshadowing your favorite window.
- Light Levels: Your plant might be getting too much sun or not enough, leading to weak growth.
- Root Concerns: Roots creeping too close to foundations, walkways, or drainage lines can cause serious issues.
- Upcoming Renovations: Planning a big project? Moving plants instead of tossing them makes sense!
- Drainage Issues: Your garden bed is either a swamp in winter or a desert in summer.
- Just Because You Love It: Sometimes, you just want your beloved plant in a better spot.
Quick Note: If we’re moving plants from the public right-of-way (like street trees), we’ll need to check on permits. And hey, we always call 811 before any digging—safety first!
What We Move (and When)
- Shrubs: We can handle everything from azaleas to boxwoods and hydrangeas, and more!
- Small Trees: Think Japanese maples, dogwoods, and serviceberries, just to name a few.
- Best Transplanting Season: Late fall to early spring is prime time (when plants are dormant), but we can manage summer moves with a bit of extra care.
- Size Limits: We comfortably handle plants up to a 4” trunk caliper or shrubs around 6-7’ wide without needing heavy equipment. Got a larger specimen? We’ll discuss the best options.
Our Transplant Method (Here’s Our Secret Sauce!)
- Planning & Marking: First, we measure the plant’s dripline and dig the new hole.
- Root-Ball Preparation: We wrap the roots securely using burlap or straps, following a simple rule: 10–12” ball per 1” trunk.
- Careful Lift & Placement: We ensure the root flare is visible and position the plant for optimal sun and wind exposure.
- Backfill & Watering: We use native soil for backfilling, mixing in other materials only if it’s absolutely necessary.
- Staking if Necessary: We provide low, flexible staking for 3–9 months, removing it once the plant is settled.
- Watering Basin & Mulch: We add a fresh layer of mulch (2–3 inches), keeping it clear from the trunk to avoid rot (no more “volcano” mulching!).
Our Annual Maintenance Plan (Your Yard’s Best Friend)
This aftercare routine is designed to ensure your transplants not only survive but thrive:
- Establishment Watering: A simple schedule for the first 6 weeks, tapering as roots take hold (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, rather than heavy hacks.
- Targeted Fertilization: Only if necessary, based on soil conditions—not just a guess!
- Staking & Tie Removal: We check and typically remove stakes at 6–9 months to allow trunks to strengthen naturally.
We believe in low-maintenance landscaping. Our mission is to create fewer problems between visits and lighten your workload!
Service Cadences (Find Your Fit)
- Quarterly: Spring and fall deep cleans + two transplant check-ups.
- Bi-Monthly: A balanced option for most Kent yards.
- Monthly (first 90 days only): Perfect for summer moves or larger specimens needing extra TLC.
What Annual Maintenance Includes
- Deep Watering Plan: Clear guidelines on how many gallons per week based on plant size.
- Basin Reshaping & Mulch Refresh: Addressing any slumps or washouts.
- Light Structural Pruning and Deadwood Removal: Keeping plants healthy and looking sharp.
- Pest/Disease Monitoring: Regular checks for any signs of trouble like lace bug or root rot.
- Soil Enhancements: Making necessary adjustments for compaction relief or adding organic matter.
Why Annual Maintenance Matters
- Increased Survival Rates: Less transplant shock means more root regrowth and happy plants.
- Better Structure Early On: Setting correct scaffolds now equals 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 keep it straightforward 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 we’ll 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 want.
Why Kent Chooses Neat & Tidy
- A local crew experienced with Kent’s unique hills, alleys, and tight spaces.
- Licensed & insured; we always check utility locations before we dig.
- Transparent pricing — 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!
