Transplanting shrubs - how to successfully implement them

How to transplant shrubs - tips and tricks

Can all shrubs tolerate transplanting?

Some shrubs do not like transplanting at all, for example the real gorse (bot. Genista). Other shrubs are less sensitive. In general, however, young bushes can handle moving better than old ones. Fully grown bushes that are several years old should not be transplanted at all.

When is the best time to transplant shrubs?

It is best to transplant your shrubs in late winter or early spring before they start new shoots, ideally before April. Choose a frost-free day for this work. Night frosts won't harm the freshly transplanted shrub, but if the ground is frozen, you can hardly dig up a shrub.

The months of August and September are also considered good times to transplant shrubs. It should not be too warm then, and the flowering period must be over. With evergreen shrubs it should be noted that they can still take root well into winter. For all of them, repositioning works best during the rest phase on an overcast day.

What do I have to consider when transplanting?

The root ball of a shrub is usually about the same size as the above-ground parts of the plant, the “crown”. You should definitely keep this in mind when digging out. Carefully dig up the root ball, if possible without damaging the roots.

To prevent the root ball from drying out, you should work quickly and plant the shrub again soon. Water the freshly planted shrub thoroughly, also for the next few months.