Boston Movers Blog

Over the course of time in your home, you take care of your home and yard. Then when it is time to move, you find that you have grown attached to the tree, shrub or bush.

When you move, you can take them with you. Digging up plants and moving them to another location can cause some anxiety, but it isn’t as hard as it seems. Of course a local move will be a lot better on your trees and shrubs both in climate and for transport.

For deciduous shrubs and small trees, or “woody plants”, winter is the best time for moving them because the plant is dormant. This means there is limited risk of transplant shock.  Late winter or early spring is the best time to move outdoor landscaping plants and trees.
 
To dig out the root ball, the bigger the better when digging the hole. But a good rule of thumb is 18”. There is no simple rule of thumb for how deep you should dig, but most plant roots live in the upper 12” of soil.

For a local move, it may be easier to transplant and transport these plants. You can move them in your car so you can take extra care. Or, if you plan to send them in the moving van, be sure the moving company is aware so they can save the appropriate room.
 
For interstate moves, you may have to do a bit more research. If you are moving from the Boston Area to a southern state for example, your favorite plant may not like the climate.

You have worked hard to make your indoor plants flourish and now it is time to move them. Plants need special attention when you move. If it is a long-distance move, your plants should be moved in a temperature controlled environment if possible. Extreme temperatures and the lack of fresh air in the moving van can kill your houseplants.

Make sure you have the correct supplies to move your plants. Pack them in boxes that are strong enough to hold them. Also, use cushioning like bubble wrap or wet paper towels so the plant doesn’t hit the side of the box when transported. Wet paper towels would allow the plant to stay alive longer. To keep them healthy during your relocation, refer to the tips below on the best way to transport your plants.

1. Put holes in the box or leave the top of the box open. Without some holes the plant most likely will die
2. Water the potted plants about a day or two before the move depending on the climate at your current location. You would want to have the plants containers moist but not soggy.
3. If you are moving during warm weather cover the pots with plastic bag - reducing water evaporation this way
4. For plant with large foliage, consider trimming them about two weeks before the move. Plants loose water through their leaves. Trimming plants back would reduce the chance of accidental tear, reduce water evaporation and will slow the plant metabolism for a short while
5. Load the plants at the back of the truck, so they will be the first to be taken off
6. Do not let the plants stay in the van overnight.
7. Pack garden chemicals very carefully. If you decide not to take them with you, give them to a neighbor who gardens.
8. When you have arrived to your new home unpack your plants first. This will insure that they will survive.

Boston Movers