The Dappled Willow (also known as the Hakuro Nishiki) is a super low-maintenance favorite for many gardeners. One of its best perks? It’s incredibly forgiving when it comes to moving it around. Even if your tree has already settled in and established roots, you can transplant it without too much stress. Here’s my guide on how to get it done right.
Timing is Everything When Moving Your Dappled Willow
There are plenty of reasons you might want to move your willow. Maybe you’ve realized it needs a better spot to really thrive, or perhaps you’re just ready for a fresh look in your landscape. Moving a Dappled Willow can totally transform a corner of your garden, but there are two main things to keep in mind before you grab the shovel.
First, pick a new spot that meets the plant’s basic needs. Luckily, these trees aren’t too picky! Second, you need to choose the right time of year. I always recommend transplanting in either the fall or early spring. If you go with fall, the tree has all winter to focus on establishing its roots. Spring is also great because the plant is still dormant and hasn’t started putting all its energy into that beautiful, colorful foliage yet.
How to Handle the Move
While you can move a fully grown Dappled Willow, keep in mind that younger plants tend to bounce back and root much faster. Because of this, many gardeners prefer to start fresh with new plants they’ve propagated from cuttings—which is actually pretty easy to do! However, moving a larger specimen has its own reward: you get that instant “wow” factor and a full canopy of leaves much sooner. With a little luck, you’ll be ready to prune it into shape just a few months later.
Follow these steps to give your willow the best start in its new home:
Transplanting Step-by-Step:
1. Plan ahead: About six months before the move, dig a small trench around the base of the tree.
2. Prep the roots: Fill that trench with compost to encourage a healthy, compact root ball.
3. Prune back: Give the plant a radical “haircut” (a hard prune) before you start digging.
4. Dig carefully: Lift the tree gently, being as careful as possible not to damage the main root system.
5. Replant: Place the tree in its new hole at the same depth it was growing before.
6. Feed the soil: Mix in some fresh compost or top it off with mulch.
7. Water in: Give it a good, deep soak immediately after planting.
Once your Dappled Willow is in its new spot, give it some extra TLC for the first few months. You’ll want to water it regularly—ideally with soft water (like rainwater). Newly transplanted trees are thirstier than established ones, but be careful not to overdo it; you want moist soil, not a swamp. A good rule of thumb is to water just a bit more frequently than usual to keep the roots happy without drowning them.
