How to Replant a Hawthorn

Step 1. 

Dig into the earth, and pull up the shrub.

Roots cling to the dark and damp,

shake them apart—soil tends to clump.

Hawthorns fester root rot when their soil

is too compact. They like to be softly nestled.

Step 2. 

Go find a clearing with

direct access to hours of sunlight

in a wide field where the wind calls home.

Hawthorns should be spaced about

twenty to thirty feet for room to mature in.

Step 3. 

Cover the roots gently and

water them once a week; despite the droop

and given time—new buds will unfurl.

Hawthorns are known

for their strong tenacity.

Hawthorns produce red fruit

and spring pink-white flowers.

They can stand

up to 50 feet tall.

And live to become

elders in the meadow.