The Best Time to Transplant Large Bushes

Preparation

• Keep your bush from going into shock by preparing the plant for the move. Since most plants suffer from water loss during the transplanting process, water the bush well for two days prior to the move. You may also consider pruning the root system before transplanting a large bush. Most large bushes have an equally large root system that is impractical to move. You must cut the roots back to a more manageable size before moving the bush. According to the Clemson University Cooperative Extension, prune roots in the early spring for bushes you plan to move in the fall and prune roots in the fall for bushes you hope to move in the spring. Keep foliage damage to a minimum by tying the bush with twine to keep branches compact during transport.

Spring

• Spring is the best time to move woody shrubs as well as flowering bushes, such as rhododendrons. Wait until the ground has thawed from the winter cold before digging up the bushes. The early season move allows the plants to develop a solid root system throughout the summer. Flowering shrubs may not bloom during the year you transplant, but the plants usually bounce back in the following year.

Summer

• The heat of the sun and the arid days cause bushes to stress when you transplant them during the summer. If you must move a large bush during the summer months, keep the plant in the shade until you move it to the final planting site. Water the hole where you are moving the plant so the soil is soft and allows the roots to quickly grow and spread. If you must delay the transplanting keep the bush in water until you can complete the task.

Fall

• Transplant large woody bushes in the early fall before the first frost has occurred. If you must transplant an evergreen in the fall, make the move in the early part of the season to keep frost from damaging the root system and causing damage to the bush. The root system on the bushes becomes damaged or does not grow well when the soil temperatures are below freezing. Disease and pests may penetrate the roots when damage exists, causing your bush to die.