How to Transplant a Mature Eugenia Bush

Select a sunny location with well-drained soil. The Eugenia bush can tolerate most soil types as long as it is slightly acidic and low in salts.

Water the bush two to three days before removing it from the current location. Remove damaged or dead foliage. Tie the low branches together to avoid injury of the bush during the transplant process.

Dig a 24-inch trench with a sharp shovel around the mature Eugenia bush to remove the majority of the root ball. A trench this deep will allow the shovel to sever the roots under the root ball, according to the North Dakota State University Extension.

Wrap the root ball in damp burlap to keep the soil around the roots moist and in place. Carry to the next location by the root ball or transport in a wheelbarrow or drag on a sheet if it is too heavy to carry.

Dig a hole in the new location three times the size of the root ball. Remove the burlap and place the root ball in the center of the hole at the same depth it was in the last hole. Backfill the soil firmly and water deeply to alleviate air pockets.

Water once a week deeply to help the roots establish in the new location up until the first frost in late fall. Apply a 3-inch layer of mulch, such as pine straw or pine bark, to retain moisture and ward off weeds. Make sure the mulch does not touch the main stem of the Eugenia bush.