How to Move a Shrub
The spring is approaching, and you walk out into your
back yard. You survey your garden, and think to yourself,
"That shrub would look good on the other side on
the yard." You need to move a shrub,
but how to do it safely?
Timing is Everything
First off, the timing. You do not want to move a shrub,
or any plant for that matter, in the middle of the growth
season. The best time of year to move a shrub
is early spring, or late winter. This ensures your shrub
will have the maximum amount of time to take hold in
the new area, and grow properly.
Prepare Wisely
Before you get your hands dirty moving any plant, proper
preparation needs to take place to ensure a healthy
transfer. Take the following steps to prepare:
- Dig a hole in the area where you want the shrub
to end up. Make sure the hole is deep enough, and
wide enough, to fit the shrub roots.
- Mix a bunch of organic matter (compost: fruit, vegetable,
plant waste, etc) into the soil at the bottom of the
hole. Make sure to break up the soil well.
- Mark a circumference around the main stem of the
shrub that is about 2 feet in diameter. Dig a deep
trench at that mark.
- Slowly but surely, dig and cut under the root system.
Dig up as much of the existing shrubs root system
as possible, cutting the larger roots as need be.
Transferring to New Spot
While taking the proper steps to transfer safely is
obviously important, with proper preparation this step
is a breeze.
- Take a piece of burlap and carefully place it underneath
the root system. You can use a small sheet of wood
to get leverage underneath.
- Pull the burlap over the sides and top of the root
system and the soil, and tie it up. This prevents
dirt and roots from falling out, and will also keep
moisture from escaping.
- As quick as you can safely manage, remove the shrub
from the ground and place it in it's new spot.
- Bury your shrub at it's required depth, along with
a stake close to the main stem. Cover the shrub
roots completely, packing the soil in firmly.
- Water your shrub immediately with lukewarm water.
This will help prevent transplant shock.
- Make sure to water your shrub regularly over the
next month.