If you pick the perfect spot for your Hinoki Cypress right from the start, it’ll happily thrive there for years to come. However, life happens! Sometimes you realize the location isn’t quite right, or your little evergreen starts outgrowing its space. While moving one of these beauties takes some elbow grease, it’s definitely doable if you follow the right steps.
Moving Day Means Stress
Keep in mind that transplanting is a bit of a shock for a Hinoki Cypress. Don’t be surprised if it looks a little stunted or “sad” for the first few weeks after the move. Just keep up with your watering and give it some extra TLC until it settles into its new home and recovers from the move.
When is the Best Time to Transplant?
Since Hinoki Cypresses can be a bit sensitive to harsh winters, you definitely don’t want to move them right before the first frost. They need time to get their roots established! Fall is generally the best time for a move. You can also transplant in the spring or summer, but if you do, you’ll need to be extra vigilant about watering since the higher temperatures can dry them out quickly.
Finding the Perfect Spot
The Hinoki Cypress isn’t overly picky about its location, but it definitely has preferences. It’ll be happiest in a warm, bright spot with full sun or partial shade. To keep it healthy, make sure the soil is nice and loose with great drainage—these plants hate having “wet feet” (standing water).
How to Transplant Your Hinoki Cypress
Ready to move? Here’s your game plan:
- Carefully dig up the cypress, making sure to get as much of the root ball as possible. A sturdy garden fork and spade are your best friends here.
- Give both the roots and the branches a light trim to help the plant manage the transition.
- Dig a hole at the new site that’s plenty big enough for the root ball, and mix in a little conifer-specific fertilizer to give it a head start.
- Place your Hinoki Cypress in the hole and backfill it with the soil you dug out.
- Press the soil down firmly (but don’t pack it too tight!) and give it a deep soak. Make sure to keep it well-watered over the next few days.
Repotting Potted Hinoki Cypresses
If you’re growing your cypress in a container or as a Bonsai, it’ll need a fresh start every two to three years. Move it into a slightly larger pot with fresh potting mix. This is also the perfect time for a root prune—clip away any old, dried-out roots and trim the healthy ones back by an inch or two to encourage new growth.
