How to Transplant Viburnum Hedges From the Ground

There are more than 150 different types of viburnum shrubs. The plants, no matter which variety, have horizonally growing branches covered in flat, green leaves. In the spring, tiny flower clusters cover the length of each stem and emit a strong fragrance. If you have a viburnum hedge and need to transplant it, be ready to do a lot of digging. If the shrubs in the hedge are large, having another person assist is helpful. Wait until the early spring to transplant the viburnum hedge, just as new growth emerges and after threat of frost is over.

Shovel
Tape measure
Rope
Transplanting shovel
Tarp

Instructions

- 1
  Look around the yard for a new planting site for the viburnum hedge. The area should have full to partial sunlight and well-draining soil that is fertile.
- 2
  Dig a new planting hole that is approximately twice the width of one of the current viburnums using a shovel. Make the hole at least 1 to 2 feet deep and slope the sides down gently to the bottom of the hole. Measure the current distance between each viburnum shrub in the hedge and dig additional holes same distance apart.
- 3
  Wrap a piece of rope around each viburnum shrub in the hedge and tie the rope tight enough to gather the branches together, but not so tight that they break.
- 4
  Insert a shovel into the ground at the length of the furthest branch, which is the approximate location of the root ball. Dig a 12-inch-deep trench all the way around each hedge.
- 5
  Set the shovel aside and switch to a transplanting shovel, which has a longer blade. Shove the blade into the bottom of the trench and point it under the viburnum shrub to loosen the bottom of the shrub. Work your way around the bottom of the viburnum.
- 6
  Push the viburnum shrub over to the side until you can slide a tarp under the root ball. Grasp the side of the tarp and pull it over to the new planting site.
- 7
  Insert the roots of the viburnum into the new hole centering it. Backfill the hole with soil until you reach the top of the root ball.
- 8
  Transplant each additional viburnum shrub in the same manner until you move the entire hedge.
- 9
  Water the soil under the new hedge location well until it is damp to at least a 12-inch depth.

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