Question
Hi Nick,

We just moved in to our new home in Las Vegas (Henderson) and have a beautiful red bird in the backyard.  The only problem is that it was originally planted much too close to the fence (brick wall).  Not only is it growing in an odd shape because of the wall, but we wish to landscape that area differently and as a result, we would like to transplant the red bird.  First, does the plant respond well to transplanting (it's about 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide) and second, what time of year can we do it (given the harsh summer temps here in the desert)?  Tips?

Answer
Hi Darcy, the key here is to get as much of the root system as possible, many people cut corners and just want to get the plant out of the ground and in the ground someplace else, and wonder why the plant declines and/or dies; take the time to water the plant well initially, so as to help it through the transplant shock (which is inevitable). Dig down and out and take care to get as much of the system as possible intact, that  is without cutting any of the main roots in half; do this and keep the roots moist, as you are exposing them, so the secondary and tertiary roots don't dry up and become damaged. Have your new hole dug, and have somebody expanding it as you expose the roots so as to fit it as perfectly as possible into the new hole; you can see the key here is to get those roots covered and back in the ground as soon as possible, this will greatly reduce transplant shock/stress. Once it is out of its old hole, place it in its new hole at exactly the same level it was in the old one, and begin covering it gently, do not force soil over it, rather back fill it and eliminate air pockets by watering it as you do; once it is in its new hole and watered well, stake it, so the crown doesn't move (wind, rain etc.) disrupting the root system. Once the roots take hold, then the stake can be removed, this may be months, but better to wait and be sure. Now it is just a case of keeping the roots from drying out, but don't let them sit in water, just keep them irrigated every day for several weeks. The plant may show wilt in the extreme heat of your area, but this is normal, it will perk up during the evening hours when sun goes down, and eventually adapt to staying perked up all day. Mulch over the top to help keep the roots cooler and from drying out too fast. Nick