How to Dig Up a Cactus

Put on thick, leather gloves when you attempt to dig up the cactus to prevent injury from sharp thorns.

Cut off the prickly pads of an overgrown cactus with clippers to get to the skeleton of the plant. This will allow you to focus on a specific area to dig the plant up, rather than try to work around a dense cactus. Try to avoid unnecessary injury to a plant you are transplanting.

Dig into the ground around the cactus with a pointed shovel. If you want to transplant the cactus to another area of the yard, dig around the plant in a 1-foot radius and depth to prevent cutting too many roots. Otherwise, simply dig around the base of the plant for removal.

Position the shovel underneath the base of the cactus and lift up with the shovel. If the cactus is tall, be aware of how it will fall once you remove it from the ground to prevent injury to you or those standing around.