The Fall Fix My Garden Needed. Moving & Replanting for a Better Design. Fall Switcheroo, by Hooked and Rooted on YouTube. 13 min 33 s.
- Video length
- 13 min 33 s
- Time to do it
- 2 hours
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 8
What you need
Steps
Pick a new spot with the right light and room for the shrub's mature size. Water the shrub well the day before you move it.
Tie the branches loosely upward with twine so they stay out of the way. Prune only damaged or crossing stems with clean shears.
Dig a planting hole at the new spot twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth. Mix in a few inches of compost.
Cut a circle around the shrub 12 to 18 inches beyond the stems. Dig down 12 to 18 inches and under the root ball.
Slide a tarp or wheelbarrow next to the shrub. Lift the root ball onto it and keep the soil around the roots.
Move the shrub to the new hole and set it at the same depth as before. Check that the top of the root ball sits level with the soil.
Backfill with the dug soil, firm it gently in layers and water slowly until the soil settles.
Spread 2 to 3 inches of mulch around the base but keep it off the stems. Water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry.
Tips and common mistakes
Move shrubs in early fall while soil is still warm, giving roots time before frost.
Keep the root ball damp but not soggy, and water deeply once a week if rain is low.
Do not bury the stems deeper than they were, as deep planting can rot the trunk.
Wear gloves and closed shoes when lifting, and drag heavy root balls on a tarp instead of straining your back.
Questions
Can I move a large shrub in fall?
Yes, early fall is a good time in many climates because soil is still warm and rain is more reliable. Wait until leaves start to turn if you can.
Should I prune the shrub before moving it?
Only remove damaged or crossing branches. Heavy pruning adds stress and makes it harder for the plant to recover.
How often should I water after replanting?
Water deeply right after planting and about once a week when rain is low, until the ground freezes. Check the top inch of soil first.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
