How To Move Your Garden

Creating a beautiful garden around your house magically transforms it into a fairy-tale dwelling where imagination meets everyday reality to inspire a positive attitude towards life. Your charming plants provide a quick escape to nature and allow you to enjoy some peaceful moments amidst the chaotic and busy modern day life, invite good humor and joyful spirits to your home. You have probably spent many hours tending to your garden in order to achieve the enchanting look and feel that makes you relax and lose yourself in dreams.

So, when the time comes to move house, the mere idea to leave behind the beautiful outcome of your gardening efforts and unique designer visions will certainly make you feel anxious and upset. Without a doubt, abandoning the garden that has brightened your days for so long will be a painful experience which will add to the stress and downbeat mood associated with the moving process. In order to reduce the tension and avoid severe relocation depression, you may want to consider moving your garden to your new surroundings. Taking your plants, your garden accessories, outdoor furniture, landscaping tools, and/or garden structures to your new home will not be a very easy task, especially if you are moving long distance. But, as you know – when there is a will, there is a way.

Read on to find the best way to move your garden, explained in details.

How To Move Plants

The living heart of your garden – your plants, ranks among the most difficult things to move. They are extremely delicate and will not easily survive neither the transportation to your new home, nor the different conditions in the new surroundings. Our practical guide for moving with plants will take you through all the steps required for a successful “transplantation” to a new home in another state.

What To Consider When Moving With Plants

First, you need to decide which of your plants are worth the great efforts and money required to move them. Remember that you can just take cuttings and/or seeds and plant them in your new yard – it will be so much easier, of course, and you will not strip your garden bare for the new owners of your old property. So, take advantage of this approach for whichever plants allow it. If you want to move some specific plants for personal reasons, you need to confirm that the soil and the climatic conditions in your new surroundings will be appropriate for them. Don’t forget to check the local regulations in your future state to make sure you can “import” a certain kind of plants and to know whether you will have to pay some extra fees.

Have in mind that most moving companies will not take your plants and you will either have to move them yourself or find specialty movers. Research your options well, read <a “=””>moving reviews left by satisfied customers whose chosen moving companies did a good job helping them move successfully with plants, ask about available insurance policies, etc. When scheduling your move, remember that garden plants have the highest chance of survival if relocated in late autumn or early spring. During that time of the year plants are dormant and stop growing which makes it easier for them to adapt to new conditions. Besides, the climatic conditions are milder – neither scorching heat nor freezing cold will threaten your garden plants. So, if you have the liberty to choose when to move, decide on a moving date during these favorable seasons. If you need to move in winter, you will have to build a greenhouse or to keep your plants in a sheltered area for some time to avoid the negative effect of snowstorms, blizzards, and freezing temperatures. If you have to move your plants during the hottest months of the year, you are advised to shield the new transplants from direct sunlight for a couple of weeks (you can lean boards in front of them or use a floating row cover) and to provide a lot of water.

It will be a good idea to design your new garden prior to your move. Similar to creating a floor plan of your new home, this will help you know for sure which plants will fit in your new surroundings and where the most appropriate place is to plant each of them. You will not lose precious time in a decision-making process after arriving and will be able to replant immediately. Besides, instead of making hasty decisions, you will be able to take your time and envisage several designs until you come up with the one that best suits your lifestyle and your personal taste. The process of planning your new garden will bring you much excitement and positive emotions amidst the chaotic and tense moving preparations.

How To Prepare Plants For Moving

When all these issues have been arranged, take adequate measures to prepare and properly “pack” the plants you will take with you.

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  Prune and tidy your trees and shrubs several weeks before Moving day. Remove all dead leaves and dry branches, as well as excessive foliage and protruding boughs or twigs that will easily break anyway and will present further obstacles when transporting the plants. Restrict their growth and make sure no pests infest them (you may want to spray them with an appropriate product). This will reinforce your plants’ health and will increase their chance of survival;

• Dig up ahead of time. Digging out your plants properly and preserving their root systems is of primary importance for the successful outcome of their relocation. The greatest challenge is to move the plant without hurting the roots because damaged roots will not be able to provide sufficient water and nutritive substances. Water the plant immediately before digging it up to soak the soil so that it will adhere to the roots. You need to dig a wide area to be able to take the entire root ball out, especially when moving trees or any bigger plants. Experts advise to measure the diameter of the trunk one foot off the ground and to multiply the number by 18. The result you get is the diameter of the root ball that should be dug out. Another common approach is to cut a complete ring around the plant by pushing a sharp shovel straight down just below the drip line. Dig down for about 1-15 inches and try to preserve as many of the fine roots as possible, not only the thick ones, when pulling the plant out. Wrap the root ball in a hessian cloth, keep as much of the soil as possible and make sure it is moist (not wet) all the time. If you are moving in warm weather, keep the plant in a dry and cool shaded area of the garden. If you are moving during the cold season, use bubble wrap or old sheets for added insulation against frost and keep the plants in a sheltered area;
• Put the plants in plastic containers of appropriate sizes and use rods to fasten the stems of taller plants so that they don’t snap during transportation. Wrap or bag the upper parts of your plants on Moving day to provide some additional protection.

When moving trees or bigger shrubs to another state, you are advised to hire professional movers who have the appropriate equipment and experience to relocate your plants. Moving smaller shrubs and perennials is easier and they have a greater chance to survive the relocation in good health, especially when they are dormant. You can pack them in large sturdy boxes or appropriate plastic containers and move them in your own vehicle. Just make holes in the containers so that the plant can breathe and provide some soft and light padding material, such as Styrofoam peanuts or paper to prevent shifting during the transportation (plan for a protective layer on top of your plants, as well).

How To Replant

After arriving at your final destination, take care of your plants at the earliest opportunity. Make sure that the ground where you will plant your transplants is weeded and tilled well (if the soil is frozen, keep your plants wrapped until necessary). You may mulch the soil with some compost, peat or whatever plant food is appropriate. Dig a hole about twice as big as the root ball, water it thoroughly and place the transplant inside (the top of the root ball should match the ground level). Fill about half the hole, water again and allow some time for the moisture to settle the soil around the roots. Then fill the rest of the hole and lightly firm the soil around the transplant. Water once again and take proper measures to ensure a mild environment for your stressed plants (protect them from frost, direct sunlight and strong winds, as already mentioned). Your plants will need a lot of water (unless you have moved in late autumn or winter) but in order to ease the plant’s adaptation, you are advised to use trickle irrigation or some other deep watering methods. Trees and bigger plants can take a long time to completely settle in.

How to move your garden plants is the most crucial question whose answer you need to find when you prefer not to leave your beloved garden behind in the event of a residential move. However, it is only one aspect of the wider issue “How to move your garden”.

How To Move A Garden Shed

Moving your garden shed to your new property may not be a good idea – it is difficult and will cost you dearly. However, especially when moving locally, purchasing and installing a new one will be neither cheaper nor more convenient. What is more, you may be even able to move your garden shed in one piece on short distance. Regardless of your reasons to take your old garden shed with you to your new location, there are several simple steps to follow:

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  Prepare the new site. Decide on the exact location of your shed, take proper measurements and make sure the area is large enough and completely level. If possible, prepare it in advance – clear any obstacles and/or weeds, build a brick plinth if you want to secure a good base for your shed, etc.;

• Empty the shed. It will be easier to move an empty shed, of course, and the structure itself will be less likely to sustain damage in the process. If you will need to dismantle the shed, it is absolutely necessary to empty it first. Use the opportunity to get rid of damaged or outdated items and anything that you will not need anymore. Pack all the useful contents properly for your move. Remember that any hazardous substances you have kept in your shed (or your garage) can’t be moved due to safety reasons – moving companies will not load fuel, motor oils, antifreeze, paint and paint thinners, charcoal, propane tanks, fertilizers, pesticides, chemicals, car batteries, cleaning supplies and other flammable, explosive or corrosive items on their moving trucks, so you need to decide what to do with them (use them up, sell them, donate them, or dispose of them). Don’t forget to ask your chosen movers for a complete list of non-allowable items and for any other special restrictions and requirements they might have concerning your tools and equipment (see below for further information on how to pack your garden tools);
• Inspect the shed. Before making the laborious efforts of moving your garden shed, make sure it is structurally sound. Depending on the materials it is made from (wood, pre-fabricated metal or plastic), there could be mold or rust, or various other damages and signs of wear and tear, so extensive that they may ruin the practical functionality of your garden shed. Carefully inspect the roof and the walls, as well as the door and the door frame and the condition of any felt or other auxiliary materials used in the construction of your shed.

If you are certain that your garden shed is in a good overall condition and if it has proven to be convenient and practical, you may proceed to take the necessary steps for moving it to your new home.

If you want to move it in one piece, your only option is to hire specialty movers who have the appropriate equipment and experience for completing the job successfully. They will be able to lift your large garden shed with a crane (or a forklift) and transport it to the new location.

If you need to move your garden shed just across the street, for example, you can use a proven DIY method – find a friend or two to help you, dig around the base of the shed, and use car jacks to lift the corners. If your shed is small and light you could even drag it with the help of a stout rope placed under the leading edge of the shed. However, it will be easier to roll it over fence posts – raise the leading edge of the shed and place the first roller underneath, then push and pull to place another roller under the shed. This way you can roll the structure to its new position. There should be someone to take the rollers from the back of the shed and place them to the front as you move it further. However, this option is only possible when moving very short distances.

Especially if moving out of state, you are recommended to dismantle the shed. Take a picture of every part you may find difficult to reassemble later and keep the small elements and auxiliary or spare parts in sealable plastic bags that should stay with the rest of the materials from your shed. Use a step ladder, start from the roof and gradually remove the felt and all other materials until only the rafters or the roof frame remains. Disassemble them (you will need appropriate tools), take the door out of its hinges and remove one by one any side panels, planks, or whatever materials have been used to construct the shed. Finally, pry apart the frame of the shed from its base. Once you have separated all the parts, make sure they are dry and clean and pack them securely for the transportation. Mind that your shipment will be very heavy and expensive.

When you get to your new home, reassemble the structure in reverse order and make sure it is level and stable before returning all the contents to their rightful place.

Related: How to pack your garage for a move

How To Move A Gazebo

A gazebo is often referred to as a fairy retreat that brings magic and good fortune to your home. Provided that you will have an appropriate place in your new backyard, you will most probably not want to part with the beautiful garden structure that has sheltered so many dreams and enjoyable moments. Unlike a garden shed, your gazebo may be associated with many happy memories and beloved people, so leaving it behind when moving house is usually out of the question.

Moving a gazebo is very similar to moving a garden shed but the process will probably take less time because you will not need to empty your enchanting garden pavilion of various tools and other objects. However, you will have to be really careful not to damage the beautiful and delicate ornaments, decorations and materials typical of a garden gazebo.

Remove any decorative cushions or covers, as well as various other small elements, from your gazebo and prepare it for the relocation. If possible, you are recommended to move it in one piece. You are going to need a vehicle big enough to fit the gazebo on it safely, such as a flat-bed truck. You can tow it on a flat-bed hitch as well, provided that you are moving locally. Here is what you need to do in order to safely move a large gazebo:

• Place a hydraulic jack as near the center of the gazebo as possible to be sure that the weight of the gazebo will be distributed as evenly as possible while it is being lifted. If the structure is small, you may use a regular truck jack instead;
• While the gazebo is lifted, carefully slide two wooden boards underneath both ends of the gazebo to balance it. You can run long steel pipes through holes drilled in the centers of each side of the two boards for additional security while moving the gazebo. Then, use two large dollies (slid underneath the boards) to wheel the gazebo onto the back of the truck or onto the hitch;
• Secure the gazebo to the bed of the truck with moving straps, logging chains, etc., so that it doesn’t shift during the move.

You can always try to drag or roll a wooden gazebo to its new location if you are moving somewhere really close but it may get damaged in the process. Dismantling the gazebo may also result in structural damage, as its elements are usually very fine. If you decide to use this method anyway, remember to start from the top and to work your way down very cautiously. Wrap all the materials very carefully for the transportation. When reassembling the structure, you will need to do everything in reverse order, of course. Make sure it is completely level and stable.

In most situations, however, your most beneficial option would be to hire specialized professional services that will take proper care of your elegant garden pavilion and will deliver it to your new home intact and in flawless condition. Discuss all your requirements, insurance options and other relevant issues with your chosen movers beforehand.

As soon as the gazebo is placed in your new home garden, the former charm and coziness of your habitual surroundings will be instantly restored.

How To Move Garden Accessories

In order to be able to recreate your beautiful garden in your new surroundings, you will need to move all the smaller garden accessories as well.

How to move garden tools

Your landscaping efforts will be impossible without your reliable gardening tools. So, pack all your smaller tools in a toolbox (or any small solid box) and use Ziploc bags to safe keep small hardware parts. It is very important to properly wrap the blades of any sharp-edged instruments you will move with a few layers of bubble wrap, old towels or rags and to secure them in place with appropriate ties. Group your long-handled tools according to their size and tie them in tight bundles. You can then wrap them in a large blanket for further protection during the transportation.

Remove any detachable parts of your larger equipment, remove the batteries of electric power tools (don’t forget to wrap any power cords around the corresponding electric devices) and find suitable boxes or protective covers for each of your instruments. Remember that they are very heavy and dangerous, so keep them safe in medium-sized sturdy boxes that are easy to carry.

Have in mind that moving companies will only take lawnmowers, snow-blowers, or whatever gas-operated equipment you possess if their tanks are completely empty, so either use up all the fuel or drain it. However, the movers will not load your garden barbecue on their truck if the grill is equipped with a propane tank, regardless of whether it is full or empty. You will have to transport it in your own vehicle but the process will be both difficult and risky, so you are advised to sell your grill or to give it to your neighbors together with the charcoal.

How to move outdoor furniture

Your lawn or patio furniture needs the same preparations as all the other furniture pieces in your home (learn how to best move furniture across country here). Remove any cushions and/or covers (you can use them as padding materials) and disassemble the furniture as much as possible. Keep all the parts together and make sure you will be able to reassemble the pieces. Pay special attention to garden swing sets, as they are larger and somewhat more complicated due to the moving parts. Make sure umbrellas or parasols are dry and clean, fold them carefully and place them in large plastic bags or pack them in plastic wrap. Be extra careful when handling easily breakable items, such as glass from table surfaces.

If your lawn chairs can be folded (stack the ones that cannot), it will be really easy to transport them. Garden benches, on the other hand, are often very heavy, so think twice if it will be worth taking them with you. Exquisite wrought ironwork, however, is too valuable to be left behind.

How to move garden decorations

Any bird baths, bird feeders, flower pots, sculptures and other lovely decorative elements you have in your garden add a lot to its appeal. However, all these objects are very fragile, so if you want to take them with you, you will have to pack them with great care. You can find practical tips on how to best protect fragile items here. Garden sculptures are delicate works of art, so if you possess expensive and valuable ones, you’d better purchase specially designed wooden crates and use a lot of padding materials to move them intact.

How to move garden ponds and water features

Consult your chosen moving company about how to prepare any water features in your garden that you want to move. Special equipment will be required, so expect the moving cost to be rather high if you want to move your enchanting garden fountain, for example. Think twice before you decide the fate of your water features – too complicated and expensive moving procedures will cause further troubles when moving your household but some of these features may have great sentimental, aesthetic or monetary value, so the decision is yours.

Moving your garden pond actually means moving your decorative fish safe and sound to your new location. Check our guide for moving fish for more detailed information.

These efficient tips on how to move your garden will help you relocate all the charming (or practical) garden features to your new surroundings. It’s up to you to move the actual magic of your garden to your new home.

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