Digging Up a Forsythia Tap Root

The forsythia is a shrub or hedge with arching branches that produce yellow, bell-shaped flowers in spring. The long tap root and extensive fine root system of forsythia species make it relatively drought-resistant. When transplanting, it is important to retain as much of this root system as possible. The plant is fairly resilient and will survive transplanting and minor root damage. In fact, forsythia roots quite vigorously and will even form new root systems when its arching stem tips touch the soil.

Pruning shears
Shovel

Instructions

- 1
  Trim away some of the excess branches with pruning shears before transplanting or moving a forsythia, to ensure there is energy for root growth later. Provide some extra water two or three days before moving it.
- 2
  Dig deeply around the root system of the plant, creating a trench around it with a shovel. Larger specimens require that the trench be further out due to their more extensive root system.
- 3
  Dig under the root system, doing your best to avoid severing the tap root. The forsythia's tap root generally reaches straight down among a mass of fibrous roots. Sometimes, cutting part of the taproot off is impossible to avoid. The fine roots that make up much of the root system will keep the forsythia alive if this is the case.
- 4
  Carefully remove the root system from the ground. Lift the tap root from below to avoid tearing it out of the soil, which could break it more than desired. Do not shake soil from the roots as this can also break the roots.

How to Root a Cutting from a Contorted Filbert

What to Do About a Praying Mantis on a Houseplant

Plant Basics