If you need to relocate at the last minute due to your career, then you can work with your employer and a local relocation moving company. Moving companies that offer relocation services will often be familiar with the way to pack, box, move, and ship items that you need in another location as soon as possible. But while most of your things can be moved without the need for preparation, there are a few things that you may need to get ready before the movers arrive. If you want to move a small outdoor bush, then this is definitely something you need to prepare. Follow the tips below for proper preparation.

Make Sure You Can Move It

If you are moving a plant from your old home to your new one, then you can probably place the plant in your home without a fuss. However, if you are relocating an outdoor bush, then you will need to check with your new home's Department of Agriculture. Many states have strict regulations that must be followed when it comes to moving outdoor trees and shrubs. This is necessary to protect the local environment from plant pests and diseases that may not be native to the area.

For example, if you live in New York and want to take a hemlock bush with you, then the bush may be infested with a hemlock wooly adelgid. This insect is one that made it to the United States from Asia. The insect is present in the north eastern part of the United States. If you move from NY to Pennsylvania, then the bug may already be located in the area. However, if you move from New York to Florida, then you may be introducing the pest to the area where your new home is located. 

To avoid infestation issues, make sure to call the Department of Agriculture for the area you are moving to. Provide the department with the name of the plant and the area you are moving from. Depending on the state you are moving to, your bush may need to be inspected or quarantined. Make sure you are aware of what you need to do before placing your bush in the moving truck.

Try To Reduce Shock

Bushes and plants that are transported or relocated may be susceptible to shock. Shock occurs when the plant is unable to thrive at the new location. Roots may not grow into the soil and the plant may be more likely to develop a disease, insect infestation, or an injury. You can reduce shock by ensuring that the roots of the bush are properly protected. To protect the roots, make sure they are not exposed to the air for very long. You should prepare a piece of burlap and a large plastic or terra cotta pot before digging up the bush.

Use a shovel to gently dig around the base of the bush roots. If your bush is a well established one, then the roots may spread out several feet on each side. Dig around the sides and underneath the roots and gently pull up the bush by the base. Wrap the roots around the bottom of the bush to form a ball and cover roots quickly with extra dirt. Wrap the burlap around the root ball and secure it with a string or tie. Place the bush in your pot and water the burlap to keep the roots wet.

You can place the bush in the back of the moving truck. However, you will need to protect it from hot and dry conditions, especially if you are moving in the summer. You should water the roots thoroughly on the day of the move. Also, gather some newspapers and drench them in water. Wrap the exposed leaves and branches of the bush in the newspaper to create a wet barrier across the top of the bush. Once the plant is placed in the back of the moving truck, ask the movers to open the back gate a small amount to allow air flow in whenever the truck stops. This will help to reduce heat concerns. 

For more information about how to best move your beloved plants, talk with a professional moving service in your area, such as Bekins Van Lines Inc.