How to transplant a crepe myrtle is one of the tips for moving a tree.

The crepe flowers are a shrub that has a resemblance to crepe paper.It grows to a height of about 15 to 30 feet, with a wide-spreading, multi-stemmed form, and thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 9.If you want to transplant a crepe myrtle to a different spot, taking a bit of extra care before the move and choosing the time and method carefully can help ensure it thrives in its new location.

The crepe myrtle becomes inactive in the fall when it drops leaves to prepare for cold weather.Fall is a good time to transplant a specimen because the soil is still warm, even though top growth has stopped, and roots can take up water before winter arrives.You can transplant the shrub in the spring if you do this early, before the plant has started growing and new leaves appear, as roots can get partially established before top growth begins.You should wait until the ground is at least 40 degrees.It's best to not transplant in the summer because warm weather can cause stress on the plant.

If you know in advance that you're going to transplant a crepe myrtle, you should aim for 1 inch of water weekly, including rain.If the plant is large and established, you should suck the roots 6 months before the move to encourage new root growth.To get a larger root ball, dig a circular trench around the plant.If the plant is 5 feet tall, the ball should be 18 inches in diameter and the trench 14 inches deep.For taller plants, add about 2 inches to root ball and about an inch of depth to the trench.Rub alcohol on your tool to prevent the spread of disease.When you're ready to transplant, back-fill the trench with topsoil and water it well.

When you're ready to transplant the crepe myrtle, tie up the branches with twine to protect them from damage, then water the plant well and dig just outside the root-pruning trench, cutting any roots you encounter with a sharp spade.When the outer roots are free, tip the plant to the side and dig under it to free it from the ground, then slide a large piece of natural burlap under the roots, moving it up around the sides of the root ball.If it's a large plant, tie the ends of the burlap together around the base and use twine to secure the root ball.To keep the root ball moist, move the shrub to its new location as soon as possible.