yew tree

jeffelder

Is it O.K. to transplant a young yew tree in cold weather (as currently in the U.K. in December? I would normally have transplanted it in October/November but didn't get round to it. Or maybe you can transplant any time, e.g wait for warmer conditions in April/May?

Eric Frei

Late winter to early spring is ideal.

You can do some soil preps now though, both old site and new site.

How big is it and how are you going to move it? What size soil/root ball you taking and how?

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jeffelder

Thanks Elka,
My thought too was to leave it for now- I wouldn't fancy being dug up and transplanted in the current freezing temperatures!! Height approx. 4-5 foot. I always just dig well around and deep enough with a spade and then soak the root ball in a trough of water whilst putting some well-rotted compost in the new hole.
Jeffe

Eric Frei

No compost in the hole!

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jeffelder

Why not?
Jeffe

Eric Frei

Poorly ventilated decomposing compost emits harmful gases like methane and sulphur dioxide. Likely to happen when there is low air content or puddling.

Not a good practice, neither is chucking in a handful of fertilizer .... all old wives tales and myths.

In some plantings (roadside etc) sure they chuck in a slow release tablet but that's about it.

Here's some more information.

Myth soil amendments

Put your stuff on top of the soil.

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