When can shrubs be transplanted?
Likewise, can you dig up a bush and replant it?
Shrubs up to 3 feet tall and trees an inch or less in diameter (measured 6 inches above the soil level) can be moved without digging a solid root ball. These and most plants 3 to 4 years old may be moved as bare root transplants. Larger or older plants will need to be dug and transplanted with the root ball intact.
- If you are able, choose the season you move.
- Mark where everything is going to go first.
- Pot, bucket or burlap: get the transportation ready.
- Use a special watering schedule for soon to be in-transit plants.
- Trim excess stems.
- Dig up using the drip line.
- Re-plant (the right way).
- Reduce stress on the plants.
One may also ask, should you prune a shrub before transplanting?
More roots often means more successful establishment. Ideally, and especially for large shrubs and trees, you should prune roots and tops from six months to a year before transplanting to increase your success. Remove the outermost tips of main branches back to the point where side branches arise.
How to Transplant Bushes and Shrubs:
- Give the plant a good trim.
- Remove the plant from its current location.
- The bigger the plant, the wider and deeper you will need to dig.
- While removing the plant, disturb as little as possible of the root system.
- DO NOT shake soil off the root system.
- Dig a hole in the new location.