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How to transplant red twig dogwood #876042

Asked July 05, 2024, 5:14 PM EDT

We have a large red twig dogwood, a few years old. It's quite large - about 5 ' ft wide and 5 ' ft tall. Here is a photo of it.

In Suffolk County NY, zone 7. When would be the right time to transplant it, and how?

Thanks!

Suffolk County New York

Expert Response

When to transplant would be in the Fall, after it has gone dormant for the winter.
From what I can see, it may not be easy.  My impression is that it is at least partially surrounded by pavers.  If they are the type that allows water to pass through, it is likely that the root system is partly under the pavers which means you will need to remove some of them.
You will probably need to prune the plant back to reduce the demands on the roots and will most likely need to reduce the roots to get it out of the ground with a root ball smaller the the existing extent of the root system that it now has.  If this is a significant plant to you, you might want to hire a professional to help you with the transplant.  Without knowing the soil that it is growing in and the extent of the roots,  I can not give much more information.  You will also need to know the soil in the location where you plan on placing the plant.  If it is in a well drained area, the new location should be equivalent or it may take some time for it to adapt and grow to its present size.
Ed Replied July 08, 2024, 12:07 PM EDT

Thank you for your reply. Fall once dormant is good.
Those aren’t pavers - they’re stamped concrete, so water doesn’t flow through them.
If we reduce the roots, the plant will be smaller, right? That isn’t a problem!
I can find out the type of soil later. I do believe the soil in that location is the same as where we’ll be transplanting this beauty.

The Question Asker Replied July 11, 2024, 11:26 AM EDT
Depending on the soil type, the roots could still grow under it but not as much as on the soil side.  I am thinking sandy soil which would allow more water to move under it. 
If there is little or no root growth under the concrete, it will be much easier to dig it up.
Do a search for red twigged dogwood root structure on line to get some idea of how the roots grow.  My impression from what I read, is that you will find multiple branching under all that green since the plant will sprout from runners.  Depending on the growth, you might be able to split that plant into several separate shrubs.  Do the search and you will see what I am talking about.
Ed Replied July 11, 2024, 7:25 PM EDT

Yes, you're correct: silky, sandy soil. (south shore of Long Island in Suffolk County. )

That would be ok if we could split it into several separate shrubs. This is good to know. 

I looked up "red twigged dogwood root structure" and while there aren't many photos there were a lot of descriptors! Thank you for your helpful information! Much appreciated. 

The Question Asker Replied July 12, 2024, 11:55 AM EDT
good luck.  That is a nice plant.
Ed Replied July 12, 2024, 12:27 PM EDT

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