How to move a tree fern

[@rosieeliot5700]

We are about to move our tree fern and your video has taken the fear out of the task. Thank you for the excellent video.

[@gerrry24]

How did you go, did it survive?

[@alexg5513]

Wow, that's not just useful but super interesting. Such clear and concise info. Thanks so much for uploading.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@paddycourt]

I am in Australia and I loved your short video on moving your tree fern.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@kobaltocr6927]

Greetings from Costa Rica where also we have the lovely opportunity of enjoy the beauty of Tree ferns

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I imagine they must look beautiful!

[@dianepetzold1523]

Hi from Savannah GA. Getting ready to move two tree ferns in our yard and your video is really helpful. Thank you!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you, and I hope it goes smoothly.

[@mt2766]

Thank you! Your videos are always helpful. I will plant my first tree fern tomorrow. Maybe I’ll plant two!

[@brendondavidson9920]

Many thanks fron New Zealand. Alexandra. I have three to move and you've given me confidence!!

[@winstonsmith9740]

Brilliant!, short and sweet! Just retrieved three gerns today in Melbourne, which unfortunately was a 34c February day. I'll trim more fronds off to reduce water transpiration. I've covered them with shad cloth. Fingers crossed.

[@juliacrabb6704]

Very helpful video, best information i have found. Thank you

[@deborahmarin770]

thankyou so much, about to move one and this makes it feel much easier than i thought it would be

[@kananibutcher1674]

Thank you very much! I have been so afraid for my little tree since this last storm blew it over. Watching your link showed me I can just put her back into the ground!!

[@sarahtrewhella2565]

This is so helpful as ours was a wedding present 31 yrs ago and we're moving, so I want to take our tree fern with us.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@sarahdouglass1353]

Nice, thanks for this-- good to see how hardy they are to transplant!

[@Seafariireland]

Excellent presentation! Thank you. Ray, Ireland.

[@BananaJSSI]

Great video. We have several in our garden on our island in the North Pacific off of the south west coast of Canada. Our biggest one has 6'ft of trunk and I planted it nearly 26 years ago

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Sounds wonderful.

[@BananaJSSI]

@@TheMiddlesizedGarden I do love them and they make a great addition to any exotic garden

[@TheRealSuperK]

Big Island Hawaii here, and looking forward to moving a few onto our little one acre. Thanks for the tips

[@corneliabernd8615]

Was this a Hãpu'u ( Hawaiian Tree fern), that you moved? How did it go ? I've read that they seldom survive transplaning..

[@TheArtoftheheart]

I watched this after I moved one about 7 feet tall. I had a tractor to dig it out and carry it. It did it exactly like you said. In all it took about 20 min to move from one part of my farm to another. It was quite easy. This was the biggest of 3 that I moved. The other two were very small. I foot and quit easy. And the leaves came out quickly.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Great!

[@kerriestevens8549]

Thank you for this, now I have to convince my husband to move mine!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Sorry to be so late to reply to this - my notifications are sometimes confusing. I hope you've convinced your husband by now!

[@bbbnz50]

Well done, in NZ our tree fern the same as your Aussie ones are called Dicksonia Fibrosa they are the toughest of tree ferns in NZ and handle any weather

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Yes, this particular tree fern we video-d has since been squashed by a much taller falling tree in a storm, but when my friends removed the fallen tree, the tree fern was fine underneath! They're extraordinary.

[@lattitudeOZ]

Thanks for your tips…..moved our tree fern today….gee those little spore’s make you itchy :-)

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Oh no! Hope you've stopped itching.

[@dennismcgarry4922]

Video very helpful, we are about to start on moving a large tree fern, my wife and I, hopefully it all goes well and we are still talking at the end of the day!!!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@dianasimmonds5971]

So useful and clear - thank you!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@miguelmaui24]

Thanks for the video, I’m doing that next Friday.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I hope it went well.

[@killa46464]

Thanks , great video !!! Really helpful 😅👍💚

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@geoffj3191]

About to move three, so this will be very useful. Thanks.

[@geoffj3191]

In the end I just dug them out, cut off the top third and planted that (they're doing very well), trenched the middle third to turn them into planter boxes, and ditched the roots (bottom third).

[@Jacobsports30]

Super helpful!

[@WebvideosCoUk]

Cool, makes it look straightforward. Thanks

[@KCECC-ActiveHealthyAgeing]

Thanks for advise. Will do mine next week .. fr down under in Melbourne. Happy New Year 🥳

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Happy New Year!

[@lindsaybonser577]

Thankyou for the tips

[@moonrock1962]

Thanks. This is so useful.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@estelalopez7857]

Thank you for clearing some questions I had.

[@spene1553]

Excellent informative video. Could not have been any clearer or more helpful.Thanks. P.s what kind of idiot would have given this film a thumbs down?

[@surfsidecudmirrahbeach3754]

Really helpful video, thank you for sharing!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@wildrose9843]

This video was very helpful....thanks🤗🤗🤗

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@jerenright2135]

Thank you very practical advice

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Glad it was helpful!

[@derekthomas6009]

Ty . Moving a small one here in Ireland 🇮🇪 so thanks for the advise 👍🌹🇮🇪💚🏳️‍🌈😊

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Hope it went well!

[@sonofnun7803]

Very helpful thank you

[@danielczech4329]

thank you, very helpful!

[@Sean-ll5cm]

I moved one not long ago. I cannot believe how strongly they root. Once it's reestablished I'll never worry about the wind again! I'm sure it would stop a car!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

They are amazing. I think they came to the UK as ballast because people didn't realise the trunks were roots. They were discarded on the shores, then took root in warmer coastal areas.

[@suzannecrowe5701]

I need to transplant one…is there a best time of year to move it?🌸

[@nathanking2484]

Thank you

[@patrickeyre4077]

Hi there. Will a tree fern invade a nearby drainage pipe with its roots? Find a way in, and clog up the pipe? Looking for the culprit! Many thanks

[@karlaalbright3451]

I need to transplant a mature (20yro) tree fern which is about 5 feet tall. I need to replace my fence and they need access. I would like to replant it in about 2 weeks. What should I do for 2 weeks?

[@beardeddragon2634]

What if i want to move a cyathea cooperi that is 5 feet tall? I know i need to keep the root ball unlike dicksonias but can i cut off all the fronds?

[@mrnargileh]

Moving a 7ft tall tree fern (cyathea cooperi) from the ground into a large pot. Is it doable? Will a fern of this size tolerate a pot?

[@bbbnz50]

Forgot to ask Do you have Cyathea Medullaris over there also known as Mamaku, Black tree fern, or king fern thanx

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Yes, I don't think it is very widely grown, but it's certainly available from a few suppliers.

[@pricedownmall]

Just what I needed to see. Perfect. My fern lost all its fronds. Im not sure is dead but I guess I will find out this weekend :/ If it not dead, could I cut at the base and see if it grows back? Florida, USA

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

A Dicksonia tree fern - which is the kind I featured in the video - won't re-grow if you cut it down to the base. You could try increasing watering to see if it sparks life and remember that this kind of tree fern doesn't like blazing hot sun. I hope it survives - but if it doesn't the trunk is a great habitat for insect life. You could tuck it away in a corner of the garden and let it decay slowly.

[@pricedownmall]

@@TheMiddlesizedGarden - Thank you for the advise.

[@Dom-pf8wd]

Great video. Do you know if a tree fern offset (pup) can be separated from the mother fern and planted?I have one growing from a very young potted tree fern. Thanks.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I dont know but its certainly worth trying

[@kelmills8786]

I did exactly this but the leaves died and for months now, I've just had the log sticking out the ground and no new leaves growing. Its been like this for ages..Will it bounce back..how do I know if it's dead? 😢

[@festo8885]

I remember the first time I moved my tree fern after it was delivered, i thought this thing must be denser than a black hole, so heavy

[@stephendeering6422]

Hi we are looking at moving some very large tree ferns about 4 meters high. They ar going into a public place. how deep can I plant the stem for stability. I have heard the trunk id full of air root structures Thanks in advance

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

They only need a hole the size of the pot you bought them in. If you're transferring them from another place, then dig a hole around the size of the hole they left. But they are quite top heavy, so firm them in well, and add some support to stop them blowing over until they get fully established.

[@stephendeering6422]

@@TheMiddlesizedGarden Hi, and thanks but they are not in a pot they are in the ground and 4 meters tall

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

@@stephendeering6422 In that case plant them as deep as they were in the previous position. They don't have very deep roots, so I think extra support is best to be on the safe side.

[@Dom-pf8wd]

Hi, I have a very young Tree Fern with a pup growing out of the base.Can it be divided from the mother and planted like so many other plant's pups?Thanks!

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Yes, I understand that it can, although I haven't actually done it myself. Put it into a pot until it grows some separate roots, and make sure it stays well watered.

[@Dom-pf8wd]

The Middle-Sized Garden Thanks so much.Best of luck!

[@leannageorge9156]

My tree fern has gotten too tall, since the bottom is the roots, can I cut it down to 3 feet and replant in the same hole.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Yes, I believe you can, as if it is a Dicksonia tree fern, the whole trunk is a root.

[@alistairduncan8969]

What is the best time of year to replant my Fern?

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

We moved this one in autumn and it's established really well. Autumn and spring are usually the best times to move plants because it's harder for them to establish if they have to deal with very hot, dry weather in summer or very cold weather in winter.

[@andrewchen1853]

*You'll just have a stump to look at* xD xD lol

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Andrew Chen it's doing fine now - along with the other 6 that were moved in the same way - but you may be thinking of the other kind of tree fern, which isn't as easy to move and doesn't regrow if the top is cut off

[@andrewchen1853]

Ok, thanks!

[@jessicawatson7543]

Putting the hose into the top of the tree fern can cause the new fronds to rot. Just be mindful.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Yes, it needs to be a very slow drip, not a rush! Thank you for commenting.

[@valiaudet3415]

My tree fern is beautiful. However my neighbour doesn't like it and cuts the front that grow over fence. It looks awful being lopsided and the more he removes the faster it grows. I need to move it so it can be full and lush and appreciated without being destroyed

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Good luck with moving it. The tree fern featured in this video is fine and this was done a couple of years ago. It even survived a really bad storm a few months ago. There is, of course, always a risk that a plant won't like its new location, but you're not enjoying where it is at the moment. I think you can see from this video that you need help and that it's very hard and heavy work, so take care.

[@Meevious]

You could leave it in the same place, but secretly install a raised bed and lift it just out of his/her reach. =p

[@torqingheads]

In New Zealand take a chainsaw to the base of Dicksonia's in winter, bury the entire trunk with the crown exposed and water regularly. Tree ferns look good among Rhodos with no trunk. Cyathea's must be moved with an intact rootball.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Yes, that's correct but we moved the whole tree fern with its roots in this case in order to retain the height, and also because we would have had to remove the rootball anyway.

[@squizitzithatsitalianforyu4782]

Squizitzi! That’s Italian for yummy 😋

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you!

[@weatfahrtz6773]

For most types of tree ferns this treatment means the end of the plant.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

The 16 tree ferns that my friends have moved over the last five years are all absolutely fine! This is a garden I return to every year, so I would know if any tree ferns had died.

[@barry7608]

Liked the vid but species info would have been good

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Thank you. It's a Dicksonia tree fern, but we don't know any more than that because the garden was planted many years (and several owners) ago.

[@74KU]

Chainsaw at ground level, remove all fronds. Its how they are harvested from the wild.. don't bother with digging them up.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

That does work but you lose the height and tree ferns take a very long time to grow. So if you're not bothered by losing height, yes, chain-sawing is good, but in this particular case they wanted to keep the extra couple of feet you get by digging up and moving.

[@74KU]

@@TheMiddlesizedGarden I may be confusing the rough tree fern (what you have there?) with the soft tree fern. the Soft is most often cut at ground level and grows quite quickly, we often see about 6 (~150mm) inches of growth a year on our ferns each year, 'twins' seem to grow a little slower however with one trunk appearing to be dominant and often being up to twice as long as the other. If you do this process with the rough tree fern you will kill it.

[@shanegard4201]

I'm sorry but I live in Australia and this is not necessary as all the licenced tree fern sellers use a chain saw at the very base...and the ferns you buy from garden nurseries you will notice a clean cut at the base...keep the water everyday from the top and bottom and they grow well...I have 24 very healthy ferns done this way, I have had not 1 die

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

Interesting. This was shot in Australia too (as you can probably see), and they took expert advice on moving their tree ferns. However, even if you cut across the base instead of digging it up, the other steps would be the same. Thank you for commenting.

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

I've now asked my Australian family why they moved the whole tree fern rather than using a chainsaw to cut it off at the base. They were going to have to extract the stump anyway, and if anything it's easier when you've got the whole tree to use as leverage. They didn't want to leave the stump in. My sister-in-law also wanted the full height of the tree, and slicing it away at the base changes the proportions.

[@jimmypea3799]

Really depends on your variety. There are "soft" tree ferns and "rough" tree ferns... soft ones can be cut off and moved and will survive, the rough variety needs the root ball, otherwise it will 100% die.

[@sounthonexaignainhtava3927]

Great to know that, as the fern is my clan, my language call TAVA

[@dtaus809]

Lovely advice thank you

[@stephanielonghurst7385]

Thank you

[@TheMiddlesizedGarden]

You're welcome