How to Transplant Elderberry Bushes

Cut back the foliage on your existing elderberry plant using the anvil pruners. The United States Department of Agriculture recommends removing 50% of the plant's height or cutting it down to three to six feet tall, whichever procedure trims more of the bush.

Dig a hole in the area where you want to transplant the elderberry bush. Make the hole twice as wide as the plant's root ball and remove any rocks or debris from the site. Turn the soil over with your shovel to aerate it. The United States Department of Agriculture recommends planting elderberry bushes at a depth of three to four feet.

Dig the elderberry bush out of its site using a sharp spade and shovel. Stab at the roots with your spade if some of them are clinging. The roots will take hold in the new site after a short adjustment period.

Carry your elderberry bush over to the new site. If you're transplanting a nursery plant, remove the elderberry bush from its plastic container and massage the root ball with your fingers to break it up.

Place the plant in the new hole and fill the hole with potting soil. Water the soil thoroughly. This will compress soil and remove any air bubbles.