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How to Move a Shrub
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How to Move a Shrub
computer-generated transcript - may not be 100% accurate
" We're gonna move this tough, colorful, little barberry bush to a new location. When digging, it is always a good idea to lay out a ground cloth to pile the dirt on. This will make clean up quick and easy. It's best not to expose the roots of the plant to air any longer than is necessary. So dig the new hole prior to digging up the old plant. The hole you're digging should be at least 30% larger than the root ball of the shrub that you're transplanting. In this case we're going to dig a new hole about 16 inches deep and about 20 inches wide. Loosen the soil around the hole to allow room for the roots to expand because most roots grow sideways. With a hole dug, it's time to dig up the barberry bush. Push a sharp long handled spade straight down all the way around the bush. The goal is to remove as much soil with the roots as possible. As you dig, gently rock the plant back and forth to determine where else the roots have to be cut. If needed when lifting the plant, get help and use a wheelbarrow to move the plant to the new location. Measure the new hole. Removing or adding dirt until the depth of the hole will place the plant slightly high to allow for some settling of the soil. Be sure to tamp down the dirt in the hole firmly. Otherwise the bush will sink into the hole in the few weeks. Place the bush into the hole and filled two thirds with soil. Flood the hole with the water to settle the soil and add more soil as necessary. If the bush is too low, raise it with a shovel and add more soil. Fill the hole with soil to ground level and tamp it down with your foot. Continue to add more soil if necessary. Make a saucer out of dirt to act as a dam to hold the water and fill the saucer with at least 5 gallons of water. Water the plant with 5 gallons of water every week for the first season. If the ends of the branches die trim them back to healthy growth. With regular watering your new transplant will be a success."
