Indian Hawthorn

Question

I have three Indian Hawthorns that the builder planted them in the shade twenty years ago. They have never been pruned and the foliage is very thin. My wife wants to remove all three in February and replace them with shade loving bushes that will not grow into our walkway. We live in the Dallas, Texas area. I would prefer not to put them out as garbage. I would like to cut them way back and re-plant them as small container plants. If I try this idea, my assumption would be to make the cuts in mid-February when they are not growing, seal the cuts, dig a foot away from the trunk without cutting too many roots, dig to a depth where the tap root is cut and remove the stump and as much clinging dirt and plant the bush in a two gallon growing container. I assume if I have taken these steps the bush should leaf out in April or May. Please advise if my actions are appropriate and correct any that may be wrong.

Answer 1

It will survive transplanting, and the best time to do it is in fall… but spring will be fine as well. This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/hawthorn/hawthorn-hedge-transplanting.htm