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Original poster

Can I dig up my newly planted tree & take it with me?

48 replies

maldivemoment · 04/08/2021 16:23

Just that really. Have a beautiful little tree which I planted last year. Moving to a new property (hopefully 🤞🏻) in a few weeks. Can I dig it up and put it in a container to take to the new place? We’re in Scotland if that makes a difference.

OP posts:
BlueSurfer · 04/08/2021 16:23

If it’s an important tree, I would hire a specialist to do so. Have you made it clear to potential buyers that the tree isn’t included in the sale?

Original poster
maldivemoment · 04/08/2021 16:25

Thank you. Not particularly important, other than I love it. It’s small so easy enough to dig out ourselves.

Not mentioned it to our buyers. Would it be a bit snaky of me to take it?

OP posts:
BlueSurfer · 04/08/2021 16:27

I think you need to let your buyers know as it’s the expectation it would be left. If they object you could offer to plant a replacement.

There is a tree in my garden that I plan to take when we move.

LizzieMacQueen · 04/08/2021 16:27

I'd mention it now; not in a seeking permission way but as in 'this is happening'

purplesequins · 04/08/2021 16:29

if you want to take plants that are in rhe ground you need to declare on the fixtures and fittings form.
you can dig it up, buf it might no be happy to be moved after such a short while.

Sprig1 · 04/08/2021 16:30

Unless it is going to be really obvious that it is missing I would just take it. If it was newly planted it would be entirely conceivable that it died between them viewing and you moving out anyway.

ClaudiaWankleman · 04/08/2021 16:33

From the perspective of the tree, it isn't ideal but it is doable. I'd put it in the largest container that you could and ensure it is kept well watered. It has likely developed a good tap root system this summer (especially given the wet weather and the early sun) so may be larger than you expect.

Try not to damage the roots when digging it up as it really won't like that, and could introduce disease when you replant.

Original poster
maldivemoment · 04/08/2021 16:33

Argh…the dilemma! Take it, don’t take it????? 🥴

OP posts:
Original poster
maldivemoment · 04/08/2021 16:34

@ClaudiaWankleman

‘from the perspective of the tree…’ This made me smile!

OP posts:
BrumCahoots · 04/08/2021 16:34

Just dig it up and take it .. I took a rose that my husband had bought me .. didn't even enter my head to mention it ... don't overthink it op ... just dig it up !

WeAllHaveWings · 04/08/2021 16:37

We sold my mums house earlier this year and last minute dug up a couple of her plants to put in our own gardens for sentimental reasons. Never thought to ask and no one mentioned (they probably didnt notice as they viewed in winter when they were dormant, pruned back or had no greenery and we left it tidy). Think we probably should have asked as I think anything growing in the ground comes under fixtures unless excluded in the contract.

Is the tree likely to live if dug up at this time of year when not dormant?

Are they likely to notice?

Original poster
maldivemoment · 04/08/2021 16:44

I’m going for it!

Is there an actual chance I may kill the tree?????

OP posts:
seasonalremarks · 04/08/2021 16:47

I would leave it. I would expect anything in the ground to still be there and would definitely notice.

ClaudiaWankleman · 04/08/2021 16:48

Is there an actual chance I may kill the tree?????

Yes

IS0D0RA · 04/08/2021 16:49

What kind of tree is it?
How big is it?
Why can’t you buy another one for your new garden?
Have you concluded missives ?

SoupDragon · 04/08/2021 16:50

Isn't it easier, and safer for the tree, to just buy a new one?

Original poster
maldivemoment · 04/08/2021 16:54

Okay, maybe I’m not going for it!

I got it in a local nursery last year in the ‘half price, close to dying’ section. 😆
Since then it has absolutely flourished and I’m so proud of that! (Total novice gardener. Not a clue what I’m doing!)
It’s just so pretty and I’ve not seen another.

www.rhs.org.uk/plants/113383/i-cornus-controversa-i-variegata-(v)/details

OP posts:
LadyLolaRuben · 04/08/2021 16:58

If you decide to take it you need to notify the buyer ASAP.

Indoctro · 04/08/2021 17:00

My neighbour did this, well his sister dug up and tree and gave it to him and he planted it in front garden. It ended up looking very much dead. But he left and and low and behold 18 months later it's sprung back to life and grew lots of green leaves so if you do it give it time even if it looks dead it may not be.

Thisnamewasnttaken123 · 04/08/2021 17:06

I would dig it up to take it, I have moved a tree before a few times it was fine.

Thisnamewasnttaken123 · 04/08/2021 17:06

Just make sure you water it enough OP.

Itscoldouthere · 04/08/2021 17:07

Years ago I looked at a house in a nice London suburb, it had a lovely garden, the owners had already moved out so just me and the EA.
My son was a small baby so after viewing I sat in the car along the road feeding him. I watched the EA return to his car, get a spade out of his boot, 5 mins later he came back with several large plants obviously dig up from the garden of the house I had just viewed. Now that’s what I call cheeky 😂

CellophaneFlower · 04/08/2021 17:17

Also known as the wedding cake tree apparently! I'd definitely take it! You could always mention and ask if they'd want you to replace with something else? Tell them you planted it in memory of your hamster/goldfish or something Smile

TulipsfromAmsterdam · 04/08/2021 17:25

My neighbour has fruit trees from her garden now in pots and they are doing well.
I would do it.

Fiddliestofsticks · 04/08/2021 17:27

If you've accepted an offer then you need to ask them. If you haven't then just dig it up and put it in a container. You can take all your container plants with you.