How to Transplant Crape Myrtle Suckers
- 1). Examine the base of the crape myrtle tree, and locate the largest and tallest suckers, which are the best for transplanting. Cut all of the smaller suckers off at ground level, using hand pruners, and toss them into a compost bin.
- 2). Insert a hand spade into the soil 6 inches away from one of the larger suckers, and dig down into the soil gently until you locate the main horizontal root to which it it is attached.
- 3). Trace the horizontal root back toward the parent tree by at least 1 to 2 inches. Cut through the root, using hand pruners. Next, make an identical cut 1 inch farther toward the parent tree so you can lift out 1 inch of root between the parent and the sucker, thus leaving a a gap.
- 4). Push the removed soil back around the roots of the sucker and water it well. Leave the sucker in place until the fall months.
- 5). Dig up the sucker, using a shovel and keeping the blade at least 6 inches away from the main trunk.
- 6). Locate a new planting site that has well-draining soil and full sunlight exposure. Dig a hole that is the same depth at the roots of the sucker, and place the sucker in the hole. Make sure the sucker sits at the same level as previously planted. Fill in the hole with the removed soil and water the area until it is saturated.
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