Plant Division (Division of multi-trunked small trees)

Plant divion is a risky business. But sometimes its crutial. Dividing a multi-trunked plant is when you seperate two or mor trees that share the same root system. Both trees will suffer damage, but both tend to do just fine in the long run. If you want more than one plant and have a multi-trunked plant neaby, division could usually work, as it has for me. 
-- I have divided several privet trees before. I wanted a big bush to grow in my garden. I took to division. 5 years later the privet is double the size, and is doing well on its own. The other part of th tree is nearly fully recovered. 
In 2021, November 13th storms caused a large branch to fall on my Lilac bush. Unfortuanatly part of the bush got damaaged, and needed to undergo a divion. Two of three trunks will with suppot turn out fine. The third trunk was broke off from the main bush in the roots. The third trunk will be planted as its own tree, hopefuly ultimately surviving the storm. 
-- Species it works well with-- 
Ive done divisions several times with privets, spireas, and lilacs, but should work with most shrubs; given that both shrubs sustain enough roots to anchor itself and withstand wind, rain, freezing/thawing ground. Like with any transplants, its best to do in the fall, spring, but in my lilac's case, it should be done within days of the incident. 
_ To divide-
Keep part of the plant the ground. The plant being speratd should be soaked in water for 3-6 hours before planting back in the ground, just to help keep the roots well watered and moist. after planting, you likely wont know till 5-7 days later if th diviion was successful. If the leaves are still living and functioning those 5-7 days later, he division was most likely succssful. In winter( or fall aftr the leves fell off) you wont know till next tspring.
Category:Trees and Shrubs
Category:Nature