Moving a shrub

When to move

Late winter or early spring is the perfect time to move shrubs that have outgrown their position.

What to do

Preparation

• Start off by preparing a large planting hole where the shrub is going to be moved to, making sure the hole is large enough to accommodate the root ball.
• Break up the soil in the bottom of the hole with a garden fork and add plenty of organic matter.
• Dig a deep trench around the shrub being moved, leaving about 60cm (2ft) from the main stem.
• Gradually cut in under the root ball, aiming to dig up the shrub with as large a root ball as possible.
• Use a spade or a saw to cut through any thick roots.

Transfer the plant

• Once you have a clear cut under the shrub, ease a sheet of hessian beneath it.
• Use a long pole to make lifting easier and tie the hessian firmly around the root ball to hold the roots and soil together.

• The hessian will also prevent the roots from drying out.
• Once the plant has been lifted, it should be placed in the new hole immediately.
• Put a stake into the newly prepared hole and plant the shrub at its required depth.
• Cover the roots with soil, firm in gently and water in well.
• Water regularly over the next few weeks until the shrub has settled into its new home.