How To Transplant a Shrub

Transplanting a shrub can bring new life to your outdoor landscape. Whether you’re relocating an overgrown plant or redesigning your garden, this process requires careful planning and execution for your shrub to survive in the new location. In the video above, This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook shows how to relocate a shrub and explains how to care for it after moving it to a new area.

Preparing for a Shrub Transplant

Before starting the transplant, you need to prepare the shrub and its new location. This will make moving the shrub much easier and promote healthy growth in its new space.

Choosing the Right Time

Timing is important when transplanting shrubs. The best time is typically in the fall or early spring when the plant is less active. Cook recommends fall because the buds for next year’s growth are already set, and the new growth has hardened off. This timing reduces stress on the plant, increasing its chances of success by allowing the roots to recover and grow.

Selecting a New Location

When choosing a spot for your shrub, consider a few factors so that it will continue to grow in its new location. Check the shrub’s new location to be sure it receives the right amount of sunlight for its species. You want to pick any area with good soil health and drainage to avoid root rot and allow for nutrient uptake. 

Choose a spot where the shrub will have enough room to grow without obstructing other plants or your home. Lastly, avoid overcrowding your plants because this can lead to poorer nutrient uptake and opens up the possibility of disease transmission between plants.

Preparing the New Hole

Preparing the new hole makes for a healthy transition and future growth. Cook suggests digging a hole twice the size of the root ball to give the shrub room to grow new roots. He also shares this helpful tip: “Plant them high, they won’t die. Plant them low, they won’t grow.” Moisture regulation and aeration are better maintained when the shrub is at the correct height. 

To prepare a new hole, estimate the size of the shrub’s root ball. Mark the hole outline on the ground using spray paint. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and as deep as the root ball is high.

Removing the Shrub

Carefully removing the shrub from its original location will minimize damage to the root system for a successful transplant.

Preparing the Shrub

Before digging, you need to protect the shrub’s branches and prepare for easier handling. Use stout string to truss up the shrub’s branches, bringing them close to the trunk. This step protects the branches during the move and provides better access to the base of the shrub.

Digging Out the Root Ball

Cook demonstrates the technique for digging around the shrub, describing the importance of cutting roots cleanly for healing and new growth. To dig out the root ball, follow these steps carefully:

1. Dig a trench around the base of the shrub using a pointed shovel.
2. Use a straight-blade transplanting shovel to dig under the root ball.
3. Work your way around the shrub, loosening the root ball from the surrounding soil.

Removing the Shrub

Once the root ball is loosened, relocate the shrub with care. Using a tarp reduces the risk of the root ball breaking apart during the move. Here’s how to remove the shrub:

1. Push the shrub onto its side once the root ball is loose.
2. Slide a plastic tarp under the root ball.
3. Push the shrub upright onto the tarp.
4. Drag the shrub to its new location by pulling on the tarp.

Planting the Shrub in Its New Location

After safely relocating the shrub, the next steps ensure the plant is properly planted for long-term health and growth.

Checking the Planting Depth

Accurate planting depth is important for your shrub’s survival. The correct depth allows the shrub to access water and nutrients easily. Follow these steps to check for the right depth:

1. Measure the height of the root ball.
2. Pull a string across the hole and measure its depth.
3. Ensure the hole depth equals the height of the root ball.

Positioning the Shrub

Positioning the shrub correctly can impact its growth and overall health. Follow these steps:

1. Carefully lower the shrub into the hole.
2. Cut the strings holding the branches together.
3. Adjust the shrub’s position so it’s straight and facing the desired direction.

Fertilizing and Backfilling

The final steps in planting involve backfilling the hole and providing essential nutrients. Cook recommends adding slow-release fertilizer and superphosphate for nutrients and root growth. Backfilling prevents air pockets, which can dry out roots. Here’s how to fertilize and backfill:

1. Mix the excavated soil with slow-release fertilizer and superphosphate.
2. Backfill around the shrub, tamping down gently to remove air pockets.
3. Create a slight depression around the base of the shrub to help retain water.

Post-Transplant Shrub Care

Proper care after transplanting impacts the shrub’s survival in its new location and helps the shrub adapt and grow.

Watering

Watering is necessary for the shrub’s recovery and establishment, so you should water thoroughly right after planting. Then, water daily for the first week to help the shrub recover. In the summer, water your shrub every other day to support new growth and better stability. Consistent watering reduces transplant shock and promotes new root growth. Maintain a watering schedule that prevents the soil from drying out or becoming waterlogged.

Mulching

Apply mulch around the base of the shrub to create a healthier environment for growth. Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the shrub, keeping it away from the trunk. Mulch helps retain soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weed growth. It also helps prevent soil erosion and adds nutrients as it decomposes.

Monitoring

Regular monitoring allows you to catch early signs of distress and take care of them. Look out for wilting leaves, discoloration, and pest infestations. Healthy shrubs show signs of new growth and stable roots. Regular checks also allow you to adjust your care routine as needed.

Fertilizing

Providing additional nutrients helps the shrub recover quicker and supports vigorous growth. To support your shrub, consider a fertilization plan that involves applying a slow-release fertilizer for your specific shrub type. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the appropriate amount and regularly check soil nutrient levels so you can adjust the fertilizer as necessary.

Protecting

If your area is prone to extreme weather conditions, take measures to protect the newly transplanted shrub. Use protective coverings during extremely hot and cold temperatures. Consider installing windbreaks if the new location is exposed to strong winds.

Pruning

Prune the shrub to encourage healthy growth and remove damaged branches. Inspect your shrub for any broken or dead branches after the transplant and trim them back so your plant can recover. Shape the shrub as needed to promote balanced growth.

Soil Testing

Understanding the soil composition of the new location helps with post-transplant care. Conduct a soil test to determine nutrient levels and pH balance, adjusting the soil as necessary with mulch and fertilizer to provide better growing conditions.