Wisteria is absolutely stunning with its cascading carpet of blue blooms, but let’s be real—sometimes this beautiful vine has to go. Whether you’re looking to relocate it or remove it entirely, digging up wisteria is a bit of a workout. Here’s the lowdown on why you might want to dig it up and the best way to tackle the job without breaking too much of a sweat.
Why You Might Need to Dig Up Your Wisteria
There are plenty of reasons why a gardener might decide it’s time to dig. Since wisteria blooms and seeds are actually toxic if eaten, many folks choose to remove them to keep curious toddlers or pets safe. Other times, it’s just about space management—maybe your vine has turned into a monster and you need to scale it back or split it in half.
Sharing the love is another great reason! If a friend wants a piece of that gorgeous purple magic, digging up a section is a great way to gift a starter. And because wisteria has such an aggressive growth habit, it’ll bounce back at the original site in no time. Lastly, those powerful roots can be real troublemakers for nearby walls, foundations, or underground pipes, so digging it out might be a necessary move to protect your home.
How to Dig Up Wisteria Like a Pro
I won’t sugarcoat it: wisteria roots are thick, fleshy, and stubborn. To get the job done, you’re going to need the right tools and a little bit of strategy. A sharp spade or even a root saw is essential for cutting through the underground network. If you’re just trying to get rid of the plant for good, you can be as aggressive as you like. However, if you’re planning on transplanting it, you’ll want to be a bit more surgical to keep the root ball intact.
Here’s your gear list:
- A root saw or a heavy-duty digging tool
- Sturdy gardening gloves (protect those hands!)
- A shovel for moving dirt
First things first: give the wisteria a major haircut. Pruning it back significantly makes the whole process way more manageable. Once the top growth is out of the way, start digging around the base to expose the roots. Use your saw or a sharpened spade to cut through the larger anchor roots. Once you’ve freed the section you want, lift it out of the ground. If you’re moving it to a new spot, go ahead and replant it immediately. Pro tip: if you want to prevent it from taking over the entire yard again, consider installing a root barrier while you’re at it!
