Green relocation: Expert tips for safely moving your beloved plants

Moving with plants? Discover expert tips for a green relocation. From quarantine laws to post-move care, ensure your beloved plants thrive in their new home.

4 min read

When it comes to moving house, many people find it difficult to part with their cherished plants. After all, these plants have received their time, care, and love. Thankfully, with Find a Mover’s network of removalists who can help, you can keep your plants even during the move. While local moves are relatively straightforward, long distance and interstate moves require a bit more preparation. This article provides essential tips to ensure your plants survive and thrive throughout the relocation process.

Plant health certificates

In some cases, you may need to obtain a plant health certificate or a similar document to demonstrate that your plants are free from pests and diseases. These certificates are typically issued by authorised inspectors or relevant government agencies. Again, it is crucial to consult the specific requirements of the state or territory you are relocating the plants to.

Compliance with biosecurity measures

Compliance with biosecurity measures is crucial when relocating plants. This may involve treating the plants for pests or diseases, packaging them securely to prevent the escape of insects or seeds, or complying with specific transportation guidelines. Adhering to these measures helps minimise the risk of introducing harmful organisms into new areas. Since quarantine laws differ between states, it's crucial to seek approval for moving your plants. Each state and territory in Australia have its own agriculture or biosecurity department responsible for enforcing quarantine regulations and providing information on plant relocation requirements specific to that region. It's important to comply with these regulations to prevent any issues during the move.

Consider soil and climate of your new garden

Australia's diverse climate and soil conditions necessitate careful consideration when choosing which plants to move. Assess the soil and climate of your new garden and select plants that are well-suited to thrive in the specific conditions. This thoughtful selection will ensure their successful adaptation in the new environment.

Take cuttings or propagate

If you have concerns about a particular plant's ability to adapt or you don't wish to leave it behind, consider taking a few cuttings to propagate in the new location. This way, you can preserve the essence of your beloved plants while being mindful of space constraints.

Plan for success

To minimize stress on your plants and maximize their chances of survival, take the following steps:

1. Trim back excess foliage, allowing plants to allocate energy efficiently during the move.
2. Secure branches by binding or tying them together to prevent any snapping or damage during transportation.
3. For larger plants or trees, remove them from ceramic terracotta containers and wrap their roots in protective hessian or plastic. This ensures their root systems remain intact and undisturbed. The pots can be packed separately and safely transported.
4. Two days before the moving day, give your plants a thorough soak in water. This allows them enough time to drain excess moisture, reducing the risk of root rot during transit.
5. For smaller or hanging plants, consider placing them in sturdy boxes before the move. This not only provides better protection but also makes handling easier. However, larger plants are best entrusted to the expertise of the team of movers on the moving day.
6. To avoid oversight, ensure that all transferred plants are placed together in a designated location. This ensures they receive proper care and attention throughout the moving process.
7. Before the move, take preventive measures to treat plants for pests and diseases. This will help safeguard their health and prevent any unwanted infestations during the journey.
8. In high-temperature conditions, protect your plants by wetting and scrunching newspaper around their leaves. This provides a shield against excessive heat and helps maintain a more favorable microclimate.
9. For garden plants not in pots, it is advisable to dig them up a day before the move. This preparation ensures a smoother relocation process and minimizes the risk of damage to your beloved plants.
10. Upon arrival at your new home, promptly move them to the garden and ensure they receive sufficient water, sunlight and nourishment to aid their recovery from the journey. If you have transplanted them into plastic containers, wait for a week before replanting them in their original pots. If you notice any signs of struggle or distress, seek advice from local nurseries to provide the necessary care and support.

With careful planning and these expert tips, you can ensure the safe and successful relocation of your beloved plants. By considering their unique needs and taking necessary precautions, your plants will not only survive but also thrive in their new home. Relocating with removalists on Find a Mover means your green companions will continue to bring joy and beauty to your life, even in a new environment.

 
Resources for the relevant departments in each state and territory:

New South Wales (NSW): Department of Primary Industries - www.dpi.nsw.gov.au

Victoria (VIC): Agriculture Victoria - agriculture.vic.gov.au 

Queensland (QLD): Department of Agriculture and Fisheries - www.daf.qld.gov.au

South Australia (SA): Primary Industries and Regions SA - www.pir.sa.gov.au

Western Australia (WA): Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development - www.dpird.wa.gov.au

Tasmania (TAS): Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment - dpipwe.tas.gov.au

Australian Capital Territory (ACT): Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate - www.environment.act.gov.au 

Northern Territory (NT): Department of Primary Industry and Resources - dpir.nt.gov.au