Advice on moving your plants

Advice on moving your plants

There are always two sides to the story when moving house and plants are concerned. The seller who spent years lovingly cultivating a well stocked garden sometimes with rare or unusual plants and the buyer who may have decided to buy the property based on the kerb appeal of the garden. Some well maintained gardens can add 10-15 % to the value of a property.
The plants in your garden are classed within the fixtures and fittings list that you provide to your buyers before exchange, so if you do intend digging up your garden or even just one or two plants, do clarify this with your purchasers to avoid undue heartache and stress on moving day for yourself and the other party

Deciding on what to take

There are several factors that should influence your decision on what to take. The first is the vendor, the second are factors like seasons, soil type in your new garden and the type or size of your new space.

The plants in your garden are classed within the fixtures and fittings list

Seasons
Seasons when moving plants play a major factor, try and move in dormant season (October- February) when most plants and trees have died down. However this is of course this is not always possible, especially in this market place where buyers are few and far between.

Soil type.
Ideally ask the vendor of your new property and if possible ask to look round the garden again. There isn't much point up moving plants/trees that won't withstand the replanting or like their new conditions. RHS website have a very informative section on garden microclimates

Size
Draw a map of your new garden and make a rough guide to where new plants will go. Not only is moving house a new chapter in your life but planning out a new garden can be very exciting and challenging.

It is very important to show the removal companies, all the plants inside and out. Plants take up the most room in the back of a removal van.

Plan Ahead

Once you know you are moving and have a buyer there are a few simple steps that need to be put in place before the big moving day. Ideally do this a couple of months before.

One week to go

Outside on moving day

On moving day inside

Removal companies will always endeavor to handle your plants with great care, because plants are living creatures they will NOT be covered under any insurance policy. Liability for loss or damage is also probably excluded under their terms and conditions. You can find details usually on the back of the acceptance forms that you will have received.

Storage

For obvious reasons plants cannot be put into storage, some smaller removal firms will if for a short period of time store some of your plants. These will often be stored loose and sometimes outside, so they can be watered.

Settling in

Remember to check on your plants regularly.

Useful references: Royal Horticultural Society: Tree and shrubs: moving plants