[noshed]

Our site sec is giving me a small bay tree. It's about 2' high. I'm assuming autumn would be the best time to move it - dig out a big root ball and prepare new hole with compost etc. Anyone had any experience of this?

[SG6]

For a 2 ft one I think that you have covered it all. Actually if bigger I could not think of anything more you could do. I presume that lots of water will be added.

Not really sure if autumn is any better than any other as they are evergreen. Mine just flowered about 4-6 weeks back, so I guess that when flowering is best avoided.

They can get to quite a size so make sure there is enough space for it to expand. My small one that started out as 6ins and cost 90p is now 8ft high and 3-4ft across.

[Ice]

They don't like being moved so be prepared for it to look sickly at first and then it should be ok.

[peapod]

Check the soil ph too, they dont like limey soils

[SMD66]

we moved a standard bay about 3' high.  It did well for a while then died.  I think we forgot to water it through a dry spell in the late autumn/early winter.  My advice is..plenty of water!

[noshed]

Thanks for the advice

[mrs bouquet]

perhaps you could cover yourself, in case of loss, but taking some 4" heel cuttings from the lateral shoots, and insert in equal peat and sand.  this should be done in September.  In april pot on rooted cutings into Innes No.1. in 3 and 1/2 inch pots, and then pot on as required.  In october, set them into a nursery bed and leave for 1 to 2 years before finally planting out in March/April.   Goodluck Mrs Bouquet

[noshed]

Good idea Mrs B

[sunshineband]

Take care when you dig it up as they really don't like having their roots broken off.

At two feet tall it should be OK if you keep it well watered even through the winter. They lose water through their leaves all year round of course, and will take time to establish an efficient root system again.