How to Move Plants With a Sling

Preparing trees and shrubs for transplanting requires care. The shrub must be removed from the soil with its root system intact, then it must be wrapped in a sling to keep the roots safe from harm while in transport. Even trees moved from one section of the yard to another need to be moved in this manner. Creating a sling and transporting the plant is simple but requires at least two people in order to prevent damage.

Burlap
Shovel
Twine
Scissors

Instructions

- 1
  Lay the burlap flat on the ground right next to the shrub. Dig a 1 to 2 foot hole around the diameter of the shrub, going down just as far into the soil as necessary to loosen the entire root system. Pull the shrub straight out of the ground and lay it on its side with the roots on top of the burlap.
- 2
  Wrap the twine around the burlap to hold it securely in place. Slice the twine and knot the ends together. Cut two separate 3-foot lengths of twine and loop them under the roots of the shrub and up the sides so that they can be grasped on either side of the shrub.
- 3
  Carry the plant to its new location. Grip the twine sling in one hand and the top of the shrub with the other. Your assistant does the same on the other side of the plant. Unwrap the twine and remove the burlap before replanting the shrub.

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