How to Transplant Grasses

Clump-Forming

• 1

  Dig deep around the circumference of a clump-forming grass by using a sharp, flat spade. Lawn grasses can be cut and lifted easily because their roots are not deep. Ornamental grass roots may be very long and strong, requiring you to dig down quite deep.

• 2

  Dislodge the section of grass entirely from the soil. Using two spades may be necessary to lever the grass out of the ground. Lift the whole clump of grass out of the soil.

• 3

  Cut clumps from the outer circumference of removed ornamental grass with its roots by using the spade. The outer portion is the newer growth area and provides better plants for transplanting. Discard the central portion of the grass.

• 4

  Prepare the new planting site's soil well for the new grass. If it is for lawn grass, work the soil to create a fine texture, providing a good medium for grass roots.

• 5

  Transplant the grass clumps into the new planting site's soil at the same depth the original grass grew. Water the soil well. Irrigate the soil periodically during the following few weeks, until new growth appears on the plants.

Rhizomatous

• 6

  Dig around the circumference of rhizomatous grass, using a sharp, flat spade. Dig up as much root as possible, and lift the grass out of the soil.

• 7

  Divide ornamental grass into separate clumps, with each clump having its own rhizome root bud. As long as each clump has a rhizome bud, the clump's size doesn't matter. Take clumps from any part of rhizomatous grass.

• 8

  Dig into the new planting site's soil and work it thoroughly so it has a crumbly texture. Dig holes deep enough for the rhizome roots to be planted the same depth they were previously.

• 9

  Plant each clump of grass in the soil. Water the soil well. Irrigate the grass well every two days through spring and early summer, until the plants establish themselves in their new location.

Stoloniferous

• 10

  Dig around stoloniferous grass, shaping the piece of grass to the size of the bare area to which it will be moved. Use a sharp, flat spade for the task. If moving an ornamental grass, you may just wish to move one of its new shoots, the roots of which will not be long. Dig deep enough to get all of the stoloniferous grass' roots, and life the plant out of the soil.

• 11

  Prepare the ground for the new grass by digging into it thoroughly. Make the soil fine and crumbly in texture.

• 12

  Plant the grass in the prepared ground, and water the soil well. Give the newly planted grass' soil a thorough soaking. Water the soil regularly during the following months, until you see new shoots appear on the grass.