How to Uproot a Rosebush

Uprooting a rosebush can be a challenge. They have very deep roots and a tap root, which usually goes down several feet in larger bushes. This is the only way I have ever been able to uproot a rosebush without it dying.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Long-handled spade or shovel
• Gloves

1. Put your spade several feet from the stem of the rosebush and push it into the ground.

2. Lift the dirt slightly and jiggle the spade to loosen the soil.

3. Move over a step and repeat.

4. Keep doing this until you have a circle of loose dirt around the rosebush.

5. Wedge your spade under the dirt until it is underneath the stem of the bush.

6. Slowly raise the spade until the bush starts to tip.

7. Rotate the spade until you have made a complete circle around the bush. You may have to break through some smaller roots.

8. Lift the rosebush by the base of the stem, taking as much dirt with it as possible to keep the rose from going into shock.

Tips & Warnings

• Put the bush in water or plant it right away to keep it from going into shock.
• Try not to cut any large roots.