After demo'ing my basement bathroom and starting to build a new shower I've created a water problem. The foundation leak, that I didn't know I had, used to drain through a hold in the slab, which has now been repaired. Instead of draining into the earth, the water now runs along the inside wall of my foundation and into my office.

I had tried to fix the problem by sealing the crack and covering the entire thing with Drylock when it was exposed, but the hydrostatic pressure keeps pushing water through.

I think I know where the issue is, and know how to fix it, but it will require that I displace a really nice yew to perform the repair. The bush isn't old, but it's not new. It was planted from a 3 gal pot perhaps 6 years ago. It's in a desirable location, and even though it's not an expensive planting, we'd rather not loose it.

I need to perform this repair now. Is there any way to move and replant the yew without killing it in the middle of January?

thanks,

-spence

Why not "un-repair" your French drain?
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Unlikely using a shovel/pick, the frozen ground is the trouble. With a backhoe and a big enough root ball shouldn't be a problem as the plant is dormant this time of year anyways. Lots of water in the Spring.

Unlikely using a shovel/pick, the frozen ground is the trouble. With a backhoe and a big enough root ball shouldn't be a problem as the plant is dormant this time of year anyways. Lots of water in the Spring.

I don't think the ground is that frozen. Even with the cold temps the past month it's right alongside our foundation.

And this would have to be dug by hand...I think 36" deep at the most.

-spence

Why not "un-repair" your French drain?
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Not an option. The previous "drain" was a flaw and has been fixed.

-spence

imo, if the ground is not frozen and you have room for a decent ball then the oods are good. If your able to get a hold of potting soil or compost for its new spot , that would be even better. I think 2 or 3 inches might be soft then you may hit frozen ground. yews are not my favorite bush.

=...I think 36" deep at the most.

-spence

The breadth is also important to get a really big root ball for established plants. Wrap in burlap and try to keep as much dirt undisturbed as possible. This is the hard part when doing by hand. Edit hardest part: hope you have an axe as you'll most likely need it cut the larger roots, both lateral and deep down.

I think you will be fine Spence. I'm not an expert....but if you can dig out most of the roots, trim the rest, ball it and put mulch around ball to protect it, and trim some top growth too. It should be fine. Good luck

I think you'll be fine also. With the exception of quite possibly some very hard labor transplanting this time of year it likely cause less damage then during weather when the plant is not dormant. Even still, get something to put the yew in until your sure the leak is fixed and then put it back in the ground. Your house looks nice, so I am sure all will work out.

Should be interesting for sure, I plan to do it this weekend regardless of the weather. I've moved some big plants before, actually dug up some massive climbing hydrangea to build a new deck. People said they didn't like to be moved but they did great.

Worst case it's just a cheap yew, but the wife doesn't want to look at it.

Thanks for the comments.

-spence