How to Transplant Cleyera

Root-prune the cleyera in the fall or winter before transplanting by using a sharp shovel or spade driven into the roots, completely around the cleyera, to sever them from the shrub. The distance from the tree to root-prune depends on the height of the shrub. Begin root pruning a 3- to 4-foot cleyera 14 inches from the trunk. If the shrub is between 4 and 5 feet, root-prune 16 inches from the trunk. Add 2 inches in distance from the trunk for every foot over 5 feet.

Water the soil around the root-pruned area two days before transplanting, to a depth of 24 inches. Water slowly so the entire area is completely moist.

Dig a planting hole in the new location. It should be 1 to 2 inches shallower than the depth the cleyera is currently growing at, and twice as wide as the root ball. If you are moving more than one cleyera, space them 36 to 60 inches apart.

Insert the shovel into the root-pruning slits, and rock it back and forth to loosen the cleyera from the soil. Repeat this procedure around the entire perimeter until the cleyera can be lifted from the soil.

Plant the cleyera immediately in the new hole. The top 1 to 2 inches of the root ball should sit above the soil after you fill in the hole. Add or remove soil from the hole to ensure the bush is positioned properly.

Shovel enough soil into the hole to fill it halfway, and fill the rest of the hole with water. After the water drains, finish filling the hole with soil. The water helps remove air pockets from the soil.

Provide the cleyera with at least 1 inch of water every week, if it doesn’t rain, for the first season after transplanting.