Sloe bushes

[lincs lass]

I have the chance to dig up some sloe bushes (blackthorn). I know that they are likely to have sloes on them, what are the chances of the bushes surviving for next year if disturbed now? It's just that I have to get them over the next few weeks if I want them as the person who owns the land they are on has sold it and will complete the sale in the next couple of weeks or so.

[Johnny Redgate]

Pretty good I'd have thought so long as you get as much of the root system as possible - I'm guessing that they're not very big otherwise a digger might be useful. You could also coppice the tops if you think you will lose a lot of the roots then next years leaf re-growth will be less likely to be too mouch for the remaining root system.

[metalfish]

They should be fine to transfer. Just make sure the root system is wet before you replant them and then keep watering them for the next year- exactly like you would any tree that you have just planted.
The main reason trees/ shrubs don't survive being moved or planted out is lack of after care- so water them and keep an eye on them for pests and diseases. You might not see much growth through the next summer but don't worry the tree will just be sending out root growth instead.

Good luck

[JoulesH]

Just be aware - blackthorn has very vigorous suckers so depending where you are moving it to, unless you keep the surrounding land trimmed/mown you will soon have a blackthorn thicket. As valuable habitat in its own right, but it will soon take over if not kept in check. When doing conservation work I have spent many hours helping to clear blackthorn scrub as it is destroying valuable grassland or other target habitats.

[The Woodman]

Another little point. As soon as you've dug up your plants cover the roots to prevent them drying out and hele them in (plant in a shallow trench and cover with soil over the winter period) if you cannot plant them in the chosen place before spring.

The other tips are good.

[lincs lass]

Thanks for the replies, what I should have put is 'I have to get them over the next couple of weeks as completion is due in the next few'. I hope to overwinter them in large pot next to or close to the greenhouse until next year. Then make sloe gin as soon as I can!!!!