You should wait until after they drop all of their leaves in the winter/fall, absolutely.

Fall (Oct-Nov) might be a more ideal time, but I have successfully transplanted them in June, and at a similar height. They did show some transplant shock, but bounced back. They're tough. If you do it, obviously try to do as little damage as possible to the roots, dig a big enough new hole before you dig up the Crape, and keep them well watered in their new spot--I do a thorough hose drip on them once or more a week until established (if no rain).

you were spot on .. timing is imperative with moving trees.. shrubs.. and conifers ...

you can not mutilate its root system.. days before the heat of summer .. and then wonder why they look ugly as heck all summer ... or die outright ...

so the long cool days of fall .. or winter in warmer zones .. right into very early spring.. is usually best .. [cant do it in winter.. in ground freeze areas]

in my MI.. i like to say ... april.. 6 to 8 weeks before the onslaught of summer heat ..

all that said ... you do what you have to do.. when you have to do it ... if there were a construction project.. or some such.. go for it ... understanding the issues above ..

ken

Thanks for your advice I will wait to transplant them, they are healthy and thriving and I don't want to take any risks moving them now.

"Am I the only one who would say move them now?"

Well, I would do it. And I would be successful.

But I know how to water and devise shade if necessary, and how to look out for stress- I have great observational skills with regard to my plants. And I have all the time in the world to fool with them.

But on a forum where you have no idea regarding the level of follow-up care someone will provide it can be dicey to recommend certain procedures. Most posters will err of the side of caution when handing out advise to someone they are not familiar with.

With crepes in zone 7a I think the risk of winter dieback after a fall transplant is even worse than some stress from a late spring transplant.

For most hardy shrubs, yes, wait until fall. But not with crepes, especially when they are that small.

Hi. I transplanted a 6+' Natchez CM last year in late May (happened to be a very hot day) following above advice on hole size, roots, initial watering etc. It was a pretty hot summer, just kept it watered. It survived the winter including the 24" snow. It hasn't flowered yet but I don't expect it too until later this summer. My crepe transplant was from a certified nursery.