How to Transplant a Broom Bush

Trace a circle on the ground around the base of the broom bush that measures about 2 feet in diameter, and dig the circle to a depth of about 10 to 12 inches. Push a spade straight down into the soil along the trace marks to cut through the soil and sever the roots, signaling the bush to produce a network of smaller roots closer to the plant base. This is best done in fall, several months before transplanting, to allow enough time for root development.

Remove grass and loosen the soil in the new planting site. Choose an area that measures approximately 5 square feet and 12 to 18 inches deep to provide a large enough space for the roots to spread and establish in the soil faster. Use a round-point shovel to dig and turn the soil, and a mattock when needed to break up hard soil. Select a planting site that receives full sun or at least six hours of direct sunlight each day.

Dig a planting hole that measures about 4 feet in diameter and 1 foot deep. Set the soil aside for later use. If you have poor soil, amend the reserved soil with up to 50 percent finished organic compost.

Return to the broom bush in late winter or early spring before the plant breaks dormancy and new growth begins. Cut along the original circle to sever any roots outside the root prune zone. Position the spade a few inches outside the original circle, and dig out a narrow trench about 12 inches deep around the original circle. Push a round-point shovel under the root ball and pull back on the handle to pry the plant out of the ground. Reposition the shovel around the plant until it loosens and you can lift it out of the hole.

Lift the broom bush onto a tarp or into a garden cart to transport it to the new planting site. Cover the root ball with a damp towel if there will be a delay between removing the bush and planting it in its new site. The damp towel might be necessary if you dig up a bush from a friend's property and have to transport it home.

Set the broom bush into the planting hole so the top of the root ball lines up evenly with the surrounding soil grade. Add or remove soil as needed to adjust the base of the hole so the broom bush sits level in the hole. Backfill the hole with the reserved, amended native soil.

Spread a 2- to 4-inch layer of bark-chip mulch around the planting zone to help retain moisture in the soil. Keep the mulch pulled back a few inches from the plant stems to prevent rot.

Water the broom bush deeply across the entire planting area until the soil is evenly moist, but not wet. Water about once weekly for the first growing season until the plant goes dormant in fall; water more frequently during periods of drought and less frequently during rainy seasons. Frequent watering encourages a strong root system.

Apply an all-purpose fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, around the root zone after planting and once monthly throughout the growing season, if desired. Mix water-soluble, all-purpose fertilizer at a rate of 1 tablespoon fertilizer to 1 gallon of water. Apply the entire gallon around the root zone as part of a regular watering.