How to Transplant a Strawberry Bush (Arbutus Unedo)

A strawberry bush is an evergreen bush or small tree that grows in USDA plant hardiness zones 7 to 10. Native to Ireland and southern Europe, this bush blooms showy white flowers and produces edible red fruit that resembles strawberries. If you need to transplant the strawberry bush to another location in your yard, do so when the tree is young and hasn’t established itself. You should transplant the strawberry bush in the late summer or early fall to avoid winter browning.

Shovel
Mulch

Instructions

- 1
  Decide on a new location for the strawberry bush that is in full sun, with partial shade in the afternoon. It can tolerate any well-drained soil.
- 2
  Water the strawberry bush deeply two to three days before transplanting it if the soil is dry.
- 3
  Dig a trench around the bush 15 to 24 inches deep and wide to remove the entire root ball with the soil intact. Sever all roots before lifting the root ball from the hole to avoid damaging the roots.
- 4
  Dig a hole in the new location twice the width of the root ball but at the same depth as the previous location.
- 5
  Set the root ball in the middle of the hole. Backfill with the removed soil, and water thoroughly and deeply to eliminate air pockets. Water every seven to 10 days to establish the strawberry bush in its new location.
- 6
  Apply a 3-inch layer of mulch, starting 6 inches away from the base of the strawberry bush. The mulch will keep the ground moist and lessen the need for irrigation.

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