How to Transplant a Large Barberry
Barberry plants make great additions to landscapes. You can use them as a stand alone or as foundation plantings. Different varieties of barberry will grow to various sizes; some have the potential to grow into large shrubs. Barberry plants feature colorful fall leaf displays. Many varieties also have sharp thorns or stickers that you should avoid during transplanting. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Begin digging around the base of the barberry to loosen the plant and its root system from the ground. Dig at or near the drip line of the shrub--where rain and water drip from the leaves to the ground along the shrub's outer edge. This is a safe distance to begin separating the root from the soil.
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Insert the shovel down and in toward the center of the plant. This will result in a cone-shaped root ball conducive to transplanting.
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Lift the barberry from the ground once you have separated the roots completely. Place the plant and root ball on burlap or an old sheet to help keep the dirt intact. Transport the plant to the new location with a wheel barrow.
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Dig a new hole for the plant. The top of the root ball should sit even with the ground. Make the hole slightly larger than the root ball to accommodate back fill, which will help hold the plant securely in its new location.
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Water the root ball thoroughly to ensure the roots have sufficient moisture to sustain the plant and promote growth. Back fill with dirt removed from the hole. Don't leave any air pockets along the root ball. Tamp the ground around the shrub to help pack and settle the dirt. Water once again.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep as much of the root ball intact as possible while transporting. The dirt around the roots will help protect the plant during transport and provide a basis for growth in the new location.
Failure to properly back fill or water the plant can result in its death.
