How to Dig Out Old Roses

Rosebushes can be difficult to transplant, and old bushes even more so because their roots have grown so large. If you have an old rosebush that must be moved, you'll need to properly prepare the bush in advance to reduce transplant shock and increase the likelihood of the bush surviving in its new home. Digging out an old rosebush takes place over a period of months, so don't put it off until the last minute.

Spade
File
Pruning tools

Instructions

Root Pruning in Late Summer
- 1
  Sharpen the blade of a long spade with a metal file, moving the file away from the handle repeatedly on both ends of the blade.
- 2
  Plunge the spade into the ground at an inward angle 18 inches away from the base of the rosebush.
- 3
  Repeat this process in a circle around the bush. This will sever the longer roots, encouraging the rosebush to grow new roots near the central root ball.
Removal in Late Autumn
- 4
  Repeat the root pruning process in autumn. This time dig a circle 12 inches around the rosebush's base.
- 5
  Grab the bush at the base and lift it, shaking away as much soil as possible.
- 6
  Have a partner continue to dig out the rosebush, being careful not to damage the new roots created in the summer.
- 7
  Lift the rosebush completely out of the ground.
- 8
  Trim canes to the length of the roots to minimize transplant shock. Remove all remaining leaves to give the roots time to regrow before they have to supply water for heavy photosynthesis.
- 9
  Replant the bush in its new location.

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How to Dig Out Old Roses

Instructions

Root Pruning in Late Summer

Removal in Late Autumn