Allotment Gardening Advice Help Chat

Growing => Grow Your Own => Topic started by: Sally A on May 19, 2007, 09:38

Title: I need to move a bay tree........
Post by: Sally A on May 19, 2007, 09:38: Whilst clearing brambles, found a self seeded bay tree. It's only about 3 feet tall but as with all self seeded things it's in the wrong place. As this is a task for this weekend, anyone have any ideas how deep the roots will be and how far around the plant I need to dig to avoid cutting into the root system.
Title: I need to move a bay tree........
Post by: agapanthus on May 19, 2007, 10:00: I'm sure it will be ok to move. A general rule of thumb is that the side roots will be as wide as the bush. The depth I'm not sure about, but I would dig around a foot deep. :)
Title: I need to move a bay tree........
Post by: Sally A on May 19, 2007, 10:12: cheers, will get up there when it stops raining.
Title: I need to move a bay tree........
Post by: WG. on May 19, 2007, 10:25: There are many look-alike laurels but only one edible one. If this matters to you, can you be sure that this is sweet bay? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bay_laurel
Title: I need to move a bay tree........
Post by: Bagpuss on May 19, 2007, 10:36: I had a lot of self seeded bays from a neighbours tree and I potted some and moved some and they all thrived, so I don't think you will do any harm moving it. I think agapanthus is right in saying allow about a foot all round. Good luck.
Title: I need to move a bay tree........
Post by: Sally A on May 19, 2007, 11:21: Am sure it's the real thing, tore a leaf and it smells right, also looks right. Had one in a pot at our last home which I bought, hopefully the tenant hasn't killed it off as would like to bring that one over and plant it out too. She seems to have anhiliated my corsican mint that I was hoping to plant between the steps.
Title: I need to move a bay tree........
Post by: Heather_S on May 19, 2007, 14:22: I've never had good luck with Corsican mint which is a shame because i love how it smells.
Title: I need to move a bay tree........
Post by: WG. on May 19, 2007, 15:09: Quote from: "Sally A"
Am sure it's the real thing, tore a leaf and it smells right, also looks right.
Just thought it worth asking the question :D

It is an evergreen as you know but I'd suggest moving it during the winter months when it is relatively dormant.
Title: I need to move a bay tree........
Post by: liz from the fizz on May 19, 2007, 17:26: Can i ask whits is corsican mint and how is it different from mint?
Title: I need to move a bay tree........
Post by: David. on May 19, 2007, 18:42: It you can trench around it and get it into a half barrel tub, you may get it to grow as well as mine.

I am siiting in my study on the first floor and the top is at eye level.
Title: I need to move a bay tree........
Post by: Sally A on May 19, 2007, 19:23: On the first floor, that's impressive, mine was a low growing, spreading, very minty thing. Re: Bay Tree removal, dug lovingly a foot around it, a foot deep, pulled, and it flippin wel came out on its own as a bare rooted twig, so shoved it in new hole and am hoping for the best.
Title: I need to move a bay tree........
Post by: Sally A on May 19, 2007, 19:26: PS. Whisky Golf - will try it on hubby first, if he survives i know I've got the real deal!
Title: I need to move a bay tree........
Post by: WG. on May 19, 2007, 19:27: Quote from: "Sally A"
PS. Whisky Golf - will try it on hubby first, if he survives i know I've got the real deal!
Way to go :wink:

If that doesn't work, fluffypebble is the expert at getting rid of hubbies ...