REARRANGE: Five Transplant Guidelines for Shrubs and Small trees

The best thing about winter is that we can transplant shrubs and small trees in North Texas and give their roots time to establish before the heat of summer. Transplant in January and February when plants are dormant, and before early March when our spring warm up begins. The experts tell us: It is important to ensure that transplanting is done while the shrubs and trees are dormant and it's generally safe to do so till the buds are green and puffy. However, once new leaves begin to sprout, you have to wait until the next winter.

Here are five simple rules to keep in mind while transplanting to accommodate the basic needs of the plants:

• Soak the trees or shrubs a day or two before the transplant so that when you dig them out the soil is soft, moist and root is not damaged.
• Transplant on a cool, cloudy and humid day so as to help the plants stay moist when they are out of the ground.
• Measure the size of the root ball you expect to dig out. Now dig the new plant hole in advance and make a hole twice as wide and just as deep as the expected root ball. Remove all stones and debris and replace with rich topsoil or compost. Once this new hole is ready, dig out the plant and transplant it without wasting much time.
• Dig out the shrub or small tree with its entire root system and extra dirt so as to ensure the roots do not dry out during this process. It is advisable to dig earth adjacent to plant roots to avoid exposure to drying air and keep them healthy while out of the ground. Transplantation is never possible without hurting some roots. Some roots will be cut in this process; ensure the main roots are protected. Move fast; take the shrub and its root ball to its new hole as soon as possible. Always keep roots damp, not wet, while outside.

• Transplant into the new hole: The surface of the root ball should be even with the surface of the ground when you're finished planting. Backfill around the root with the dirt you dug out to create the hole. Take care not to leave air pockets around the roots. Our shrubs and trees should be able to establish themselves in the soil without supplements.

Water the plant regularly so that it gets established fast. Use root stimulator per the instructions on the bottle for six months and then start to phase out its usage.

Trim and prune the tree or shrub at the end of February to shape it before the March spring growth.

These five guidelines will put you on the road to relocation success; do it now in early February.