Tree fern

Hey guys, I have a largeish tree fern, 3 ft above and 1.5 ft below soil. I was given wrong advice on have plant it when I bought it.

I was hoping the large tub I made for it 5 years ago would last another year, that isn't the case. I maybe could repair it again and hope for another year out of it. That's my preferred option. Or I'd have to make new and put back in place and redesign garden around it next year.

What's best?

Also does anyone know if I'd have to plant it at same level as now or could I only bury 6in and gain the height back?

 

I don't know much about tree ferns but I think if it hasn't put out any roots from the section of trunk below ground it will be safe to raise it up a bit, but it could become unstable, so might need support for a year or so.

 

After 5 years, there should be quite a dense network of fibrous roots growing from the trunk below soil level. I would avoid exposing these when replanting but you could risk removing some at the base to gain more height. The trunks survive much worse treatment when they are cut and then transported for sale!

 

I'd do the transplant now, expose as much of the trunk as you can without exposing roots, support it if necessary and water like buggery...into the crown, daily, until it's had time to readjust to it's new home