Can I move my plum trees?

[Sylvan]

In February 2013 we bought some plum and damson trees. All on St Julien A, the five damsons were 2 year old bushes (Merryweather) and the plums were 1 year old maidens: Avalon, Jubilee, Marjorie's Seedling. We also have Czar, Opal, Oullin's Gage, Stanley, Cacanska Lepotika and a couple of Victorias.

Unfortunately we just planted them in rows of 4 each, alternating with rows of hazel and we now realise that, not only should we have separated the plums within each row by inserting a few other trees for variety, but also, the damsons are in the wrong place, since they don't like shade, and a couple of the plums would prefer to be somewhere else too.

If we planted them in February or March 2013 can we move some of them now or is that likely to kill them?

[WendyC]

I would have they would be safe to move during the dormant period. Take the biggest rootball you can manage.

[Ocelot]

For plums and damsons it's always best to do any work during the dormant season, so I suspect you will be ok.

[Sylvan]

You don't think they'll be too established?

[Ocelot]

I haven't moved damsons before, but I do have a 40 feet one in my garden, and all I know is they are tolerant of essential pruning in the winter. Maybe try one or two?

I have moved shrubs before without mishap. Not the same, I know.

[boundtothesoil]

I would have they would be safe to move during the dormant period. Take the biggest rootball you can manage.

I agree. I've moved Czars, Victoria and Opal around after a couple of years in the ground and they've survived OK. I'd do it sooner rather than later, now that winter's closing in.

[Glutton4...]

If you have lovely loose soil, they'll have put out a good root structure. If you have tough clay like me, then maybe less so. Either way, I'd say you'll be ok during December to February. But make sure you get as much of the rootball out, undisturbed, as you can.

Good luck!

[Sylvan]

Thanks. It's sandy soil. The subsoil is almost pure sand and gravel, so hopefully it will be sufficiently loose for the roots to come out reasonably easily.

[pigletwillie]

I moved a well established Victoria plum from my old allotment to home and had to chop the tap root off to lift it. It sulked the next year but came good the year after.

[Sylvan]

Ooh, that's encouraging PW. Thanks