I like moving perennials in the fall. That way I can see how big they are and where they should go easier than in the spring. I did lose one of the shasta daisies I moved last fall but I think it was the spring freeze that did it in. I'm planning on moving a few things once it dries out a bit. But I don't have a lot of experience since I've only been gardening for about two years now.

I miss those early years - when I did what I felt like doing and didn't over-think anything. lol
Thanks for replying.

I've moved some plants in early Sept. and never had a problem. Some were large ones and those were the hardiest to move. I tried to make sure I got as much of the roots as I could. I've always added bagged cow manure when I plant anything. I mix it in with the soil that's already there. I also gently, but firmly push the plants down after I get them planted to make sure there aren't any air pockets and they're sitting right in the ground. For your crab apple tree and shrubs, just try to get as much of the root ball as possible. Keep them watered. They may lose some leaves from the shock of moving, but as long as they're watered they should do ok.
Good luck on your projects!

Kat

My yard was planted (by a landscaper) in Sept of 98. Everthing looked ridiculously high above ground, but all the trees and shrubs survived and thrived with 2 exceptions. Those two were Amur maple and paper birch. I've since read that both those should be only spring planted. All the trees and shrubs were B&B or potted, all were put on lot line berms of trucked in soil, planted very high and had a ton of mulch put on. No soil amendments, no fertilizer, no cutting back. The amur and birch are fine now, but were very slow compared to the rest. As far as moving stuff this time of year, why not?
If you're careful and make the holes very wide and shallow, you should do well. Its not like they will be stressed to put out new growth like in Spring. Dont worry if they go shockey and lose leaves. And dont fertilize! I watered all this plant life until a Dec hard freeze.

I am going to try planting perennials for the first time in the fall. I'm told it can be successfully done. Lets keep each other informed, and check back next Spring.
Pondy

Last year I planted a ton of perennials in the late fall, especially hostas (big surprise). I had gotten a deal on them so I figured if some didn't come back it wasn't a big loss. The person at the nursery told me to use a root stimulator when planting them. I only lost one out of the probably 40 plants, and it was an 'oranges and lemons' gaillardia. I never have success with gaillardia. I also have to move a bunch of plants this fall. I am redoing one of my hosta beds, and not looking forward to it at all.

I believe the general rule is to plant (or transplant) perennials about 6 weeks before your average last frost date is in your zone, to give the roots time to settle in and establish themselves.

Not sure about trees and shrubs, but I've seen landscape companies plant shrubs and trees (that were in containers) in the ground any time the ground can be worked - at least in zone 5. I guess once a shrub/tree has gone dormant, it doesn't matter when you plant it. Maybe someone who's an expert on trees/shrubs can add their input.

Julie

Perennials can be moved safely as Julie said, some can even be moved as long as the ground isn't frozen. The deeper the root system, the later you can move them (generally speaking). As for deciduous trees and shrubs, I'd wait until the leaves drop before digging them up. Dig the new hole in a shallow dish shape no deeper than the root ball, maybe even slightly shallower. Make sure you can see where the root flare is and be sure to keep it above ground level
and water it in well.

tj

"If it were your garden, would you move the trees, shrubs and perennials?"
Absolutely. Yes yes & yes.
& I see no reason not to ammend the soil, just plant a bit high so when everything settles, the shrub/ tree is at about the right height. I do it all the time & have a pretty good success rate.

I had a few plants that I moved this year because they weren't flourishing. I dug them up and planted them in planters, and kept them in a more sheltered location while I debated where I would put them. I finally decided and planted them within the last couple of weeks, after our last heat wave, and when it was starting to get a little bit chillier. They look much better than some of the items I've tried planted in late spring. I'm not so afraid to do more in the fall than just cleanup and mulch.

Thank you for all your responses. I decided I'm just going to move what I can, and if I lose stuff, oh well. After all, they are just plants that can be replaced.

Pondy, it will be interesting. I will keep notes and report in spring.