Camellia Tree Root Depth

Planting

• A mature camellia's root system can extend beyond the drip line of the shrub. At about 12 to 18 inches deep, the roots are fairly shallow. Amend a new planting site as deep as the root ball and 1 1/2 times as wide. Use about one-third garden compost or well-rotted manure. If your plant is balled-and-burlapped, cut away the twine and burlap after you place it in the hole. If it has a wire basket, use heavy-duty wire cutters to cut it away. You don't need to remove the part of the burlap or wire basket directly under the root ball.

Care

• Protect camellia roots from drying sun and wind by covering the root zone with 2 inches of organic mulch, such as shredded bark. Start the mulch 2 inches away from the trunk to keep the trunk dry and disease-free. Water during prolonged drought. Avoid setting new plants on top of the roots to prevent damage to tender feeder roots.

Relocating Established Camellia

• In early spring or fall, thoroughly water the plant to hydrate the roots and loosen the soil. Cut into the soil around the drip line about 15 inches deep. Use a shovel or garden fork to pry the plant from the hole. If you and a helper use two shovels on one side of the plant, it makes the job easier. Place the root ball on a plastic tarp and drag the tree to its new location. Don't fertilize right away. Mulch, then keep the plant watered throughout the first season until it is established.

Tips

• When moving camellia in spring, trim back its canopy about one-third so it doesn't overtax the abbreviated root system. When planting, give camellias the space recommended by the grower. This keeps the root systems from crowding and facilitates air circulation, keeping the leaves dry and disease-free. Rake up petals and leaves as they fall to minimize the spread of camellia pathogens.