From time to time, you may find that you need to move a shrub; either you may need to move it as a result of a new garden design or it doesn't seem to be thriving in the position it is in. The younger and smaller the shrub, the more likely it will re-establish itself successfully.

Whilst most young shrubs can be lifted bare-rooted when dormant, any established shrub with large root systems should be lifted with a ball of soil around the roots before being moved. This is always best carried out in the autumn.

Transplanting Method

1. Before digging up your shrub, make sure that you have prepared the site for its new position.
2. Mark a circle just beyond the extent of the shrub's branches and dig a trench. You may find that you need to tie in any trailing stems or wrap the shrub in hessian to allow you to work more freely and to prevent the stems from being damaged.
3. Cut through any woody roots with your spade, taking care not to damage any fibrous roots.
4. Reduce the size and weight of the root ball by loosening the soil with your fork.
5. Undercut the root ball with your spade, cutting through any woody tap roots.
6. Once the root ball is free, roll up a length of hessian and then tilt the shrub to one side. Unroll the hessian under the root ball, and then work the rest of the material underneath it by gently tipping the shrub from side to side.
7. Make sure that the root ball is sitting in the centre of the hessian, and then pull the material up around the root ball, tying it firmly.
8. Lift the shrub from the hole and move it to its new position.
9. Remove the hessian and replant the shrub in the new prepared hole using the same method as any new shrub.
10. Firm, water well, and mulch.