Question
Hello,
I live in Washington and I have just recieved an unwanted camilia tree.  It stands about 7 feet tall and the root system was about 3ft x 4.5ft x 18in deep.  I know this tree will go through a huge stress from the move and I was wondering if you could give me tips on helping it to survive?  Thank You so much!
Sincerely,
Mark Mandelin
Newcastle Washington
20 min south of Seattle

Answer
Plant it ASAP and retain as much of the rootball as you can possible hold.

I know this sounds obvious, but it is one of those things that sometimes seems unimportant.  The rootball is a major key to success.  Given this is the totally wrong time of year to do this, and that you have no choice.

There are soil conditioners you can add that will help the roots repair quickly, assisting w/ the rebuild of root hairs.  You want one with a lot of Fungi in the ingredients -- lots of Z's and H's and C's and Y's in the long scientific name.  Mycorrhizae for instance.  Use rainwater, not tap water or well water.  Keep the Camellia moist but not drenched for the weeks after the move.  Watch the pH of the soil VERY carefully.   4 1/2 feet sounds like you know what you're doing.  Keep up the good work and good luck.  An more questions, I'm here.