Sometimes a garden needs a fresh look, or maybe you’re redesigning your backyard and realize an old shrub is just in the wrong spot. If you’re wondering how to move an established forsythia without killing it, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s everything you need to know about transplanting these spring beauties.
Do forsythias handle being moved well?
The good news is that forsythias are incredibly hardy. They handle being moved quite well, even if they’ve been in the ground for years. However, be prepared for a workout! Over time, these shrubs develop very strong root systems, making transplanting a bit of a labor-intensive project. You’ll need to dig pretty deep to get the root ball out. If you’re dealing with a massive, decades-old plant, you might even want to consider renting a mini-excavator to save your back.
When is the best time to transplant?
If you have a choice in the matter, the best time to move your forsythia is right after it finishes blooming—usually around May. This also happens to be the perfect time for pruning, so you can knock out two chores at once.
How should I go about the transplanting process?
First things first: give your forsythia a good trim. Remove any old, woody branches and cut the remaining healthy shoots down to about 20 inches (50 cm). Once you’ve dug it up, get it into its new planting hole as soon as possible and give it a very thorough watering.
When dealing with an older plant, it’s almost impossible not to damage or cut some of the roots while digging. Don’t worry—your forsythia can take it. Just a heads-up, though: if you leave large root fragments behind in the old hole, they might actually sprout into new plants!
Is there an alternative to transplanting?
Since moving a large shrub is a lot of work, you might wonder if it’s worth the effort. To be honest, it’s often much easier to just start fresh by growing new forsythias from cuttings or layers. But if your forsythia has to leave its current spot anyway and you have the space (and the energy), moving the established plant is definitely rewarding.
Quick Summary:
- Transplanting is possible but requires some elbow grease.
- Alternative: Take cuttings instead of moving the whole bush.
- Consider dividing the plant; it’s a great way to propagate more shrubs.
- Always prune it back before digging it up.
- Water heavily after moving and keep it hydrated while it settles in.
Pro Tip: Moving a forsythia is a bit of a workout, but the success rate is very high!
