PlantLife Online

Answer

Here are a few steps that will help when relocating plants.

1) Using a shovel or spade move around the plant inserting the blade vertically into the soil cutting the largest rootball you feel comfortable moving.

2) Remove enough soil around the rootball so that you are able to slide the shovel under the rootball severing any roots. Bigger roots should be cut cleanly with pruners. (KEEP THE ROOTBALL AS INTACT AS POSSIBLE)

3) Use burlap or any other strong pice of fabric to slide under the rootball (may take a couple people if the plant is larger). Wrap the rootball with the fabric anchor with twine.

4) Once a new location is decided upon dig a hole a few inches larger on all sides place the plant in the hole and slowly work the burlap out from beneath the rootball. Make sure not plant to deep.

5) Water often and deep (few times a week) for the first few months.

Of course if these are small non-woody plants or perennials you wish to move, a similar procedure on a smaller scale will work.