How to Transplant a Holly Bush

Identify if the holly is an evergreen (American, Japanese and English holly) or a deciduous holly that drops its leaves in the fall (winterberry, possumhaw). Transplant the deciduous type in the early spring. You can move evergreen types either in spring or in the autumn.

Dig a hole in the new planting location that is 2 feet deep and as wide as the existing holly's width. Place a 3-inch layer of compost in the bottom of the hole.

Run an open garden hose at the base of the existing holly plant for 10 to 15 minutes, until the roots and surrounding ground are thoroughly soaked. Allow it to sit for at least eight hours or overnight to loosen the soil.

Cut a circle into the ground around the holly, 12 to 16 inches from its base. Insert a sharp shovel as deeply as possible into the soil repeatedly. Rock the shovel back and forth by the handle to loosen the soil and cut through roots. Press down on the shovel handle over and over to gently lift the holly. Continue working around the plant until it is completely free.

Lift the holly from the ground and knock away most of the dirt from its roots. Move the holly to its new location and set it in the hole. Fan the roots out evenly. Fill the hole with dirt, tamping it down frequently to remove air pockets.

Water the newly transplanted holly promptly, soaking the surrounding ground. Spread a 1-inch layer of compost in a 1-foot circumference of the plant's base. Spread a 2-inch layer of mulch over the compost to retain soil moisture and reduce weed growth.