How to Transplant Boxwoods Successfully: Step-by-Step Guide, Timing, Costs, Tools, and Best Practices for Moving Boxwood Shrubs

Transplanting boxwoods can be a delicate but rewarding process if done correctly. Whether you’re redesigning your garden layout, moving to a new location, or simply trying to propagate an existing shrub, learning how to transplant boxwoods is essential to ensure their health and survival. Boxwoods, known for their dense evergreen foliage and resilience, are popular landscaping shrubs that can live for decades if properly cared for. In this article, we’ll address the most common questions around transplanting boxwoods, from understanding the best time to move them to the step-by-step process and tools required for a successful transplant. By following these expert insights and strategies, you can confidently transplant your boxwoods with minimal stress to the plants and no loss of their aesthetic appeal.

What Is the Best Time to Transplant Boxwoods?

The timing of your boxwood transplant is critical to its survival. Like many other shrubs, boxwoods have an ideal transplanting window to minimize transplant shock and ensure strong root establishment.

Best Time to Transplant:

• Fall (September to early November): Fall is considered the best season for transplanting boxwoods because the weather is cooler, and the plant has the opportunity to establish roots before winter dormancy. This allows it to conserve energy and prepare for new growth in the spring.
• Early Spring (March to April): If you miss the fall window, early spring is the next best time to transplant boxwoods. Transplanting just before new growth starts in spring allows the plant to use the warmer temperatures and increased moisture to establish its root system.

Why Timing Matters:

• Minimizes Stress: Transplanting during the growing season (summer) can be risky because the plant is already focused on foliage growth, making it harder to adjust to new conditions. Transplanting when the plant is dormant, either in fall or early spring, gives it time to settle in with less stress.
• Root Establishment: Moving boxwoods during fall or early spring gives the plant the best chance to develop a strong root system before the hotter, drier months arrive.

How to Transplant Boxwoods: A Step-by-Step Guide

Transplanting boxwoods requires careful planning and proper technique. Here’s a detailed guide on how to do it right:

Step 1: Preparation

• Watering: Water the boxwood thoroughly a day or two before transplanting. This ensures the plant is well-hydrated and makes it easier to dig up without damaging the root ball.
• Choose the New Location: Boxwoods thrive in partial shade to full sun and prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH 6.5-7.0). Ensure the new location offers similar growing conditions to prevent shock.

Step 2: Digging the Plant

• Mark the Root Ball: Start by marking a circular boundary around the base of the boxwood. The diameter of the circle should be about 12-18 inches for small shrubs and up to 36 inches for larger boxwoods. This boundary represents the size of the root ball that you will dig out.
• Dig Deep and Wide: Using a sharp spade, dig a trench around the marked circle. Dig deep enough (12-18 inches) to avoid cutting off too many roots. Gently rock the plant back and forth to loosen it from the ground, being careful not to damage the root ball.

Step 3: Transporting the Boxwood

• Wrap the Root Ball: Once the boxwood is free from the ground, wrap the root ball in burlap or a tarp to prevent it from falling apart. This also keeps the roots moist and protected during transport.
• Move with Care: If the plant is large, you may need help lifting and moving it. Be gentle to avoid damaging the branches or root system.

Step 4: Preparing the New Hole

• Dig the Hole: Dig a hole in the new location that is twice as wide but only as deep as the root ball. The goal is to encourage the roots to spread outward rather than downward.
• Amend the Soil: If your soil is heavy clay or sandy, mix in organic matter such as compost or peat moss to improve drainage and fertility.

Step 5: Planting the Boxwood

• Set the Plant in Place: Place the boxwood into the hole at the same depth it was growing previously. Avoid planting too deep, as this can suffocate the roots.
• Backfill: Backfill the hole with soil, tamping it down lightly to remove air pockets. Water the plant thoroughly to help settle the soil and hydrate the roots.

How Much Does It Cost to Transplant Boxwoods?

The cost of transplanting boxwoods can vary depending on whether you handle the process yourself or hire professional landscapers.

DIY Costs:

• Tools: You will need basic gardening tools such as a spade, pruning shears, a wheelbarrow, and possibly a burlap wrap for the root ball. These tools generally cost between $30 and $100, depending on their quality and whether you already own them.
• Soil Amendments: Organic matter like compost or peat moss to improve soil quality will cost around $10 to $20 per bag.
• Labor (Time): DIY transplanting will require several hours of work, depending on the size of the boxwood and the complexity of the move.

Professional Services:

• Landscaping Services: Hiring a professional landscaper to transplant your boxwoods can range from $100 to $500 depending on the size of the plant, distance of the move, and complexity of the job.
• Tree Spade Rentals: For larger boxwoods, renting specialized equipment like a tree spade may be necessary. Rentals typically cost $150 to $400 per day, depending on the equipment and location.

While DIY methods are more affordable, hiring professionals ensures proper handling, especially for large or established boxwoods that can be difficult to transplant without damaging the plant or the landscape.

Where Is the Best Place to Replant Boxwoods?

Choosing the right location for replanting is critical for the success of your boxwoods. Consider both aesthetic and practical factors when selecting the new site.

Ideal Growing Conditions for Boxwoods:

• Soil: Boxwoods prefer well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.5-7.0). If your soil is too heavy (clay) or too light (sand), amend it with organic matter to improve its texture and fertility.
• Sunlight: Boxwoods do best in partial shade to full sun. They can tolerate shade but will grow more densely with at least a few hours of direct sunlight each day.
• Spacing: Depending on the variety, boxwoods can spread out significantly as they mature. Be sure to give your shrubs plenty of space to grow—at least 3 feet apart for smaller varieties and up to 6 feet for larger ones.

Avoid Problematic Areas:

• Low Spots: Avoid planting boxwoods in low areas where water tends to collect, as they are susceptible to root rot if they remain too wet.
• Near Foundations: While boxwoods are often used as foundation plantings, avoid placing them too close to walls or walkways, as their roots can cause damage over time. Aim for a distance of at least 2-3 feet away from foundations.

How Can You Minimize Transplant Shock in Boxwoods?

Boxwoods, like any other plant, can suffer from transplant shock—a condition where the plant struggles to adjust to its new environment, resulting in slowed growth or even death. Here’s how to minimize that risk:

Tips to Reduce Transplant Shock:

1. Watering: Keep the root ball well-watered before, during, and after transplanting. During the first few weeks after moving, maintain a consistent watering schedule to help the roots establish themselves in the new soil.
2. Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the boxwood after transplanting. This helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed competition.
3. Fertilizing: Avoid fertilizing immediately after transplanting, as this can stress the plant. Wait until the plant shows signs of new growth in the spring before applying a balanced, slow-release fertilizer.
4. Pruning: Lightly prune the boxwood before transplanting to reduce the size of the shrub and limit water loss through transpiration. Avoid heavy pruning, as this can put additional stress on the plant.
5. Shading: If transplanting in a sunny location, consider placing temporary shade around the boxwood for the first week or two to protect it from intense sun exposure.

Why Should You Transplant Boxwoods?

There are several reasons you might need to transplant your boxwoods, including landscape design changes, poor growth conditions in the current location, or simply to propagate new plants.

Common Reasons for Transplanting:

• Redesigning the Landscape: Moving boxwoods can be part of a broader garden or yard redesign. If you’re restructuring your landscape, repositioning boxwoods can help you achieve a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing layout.
• Improving Growth Conditions: Sometimes, boxwoods need to be relocated if they aren’t thriving in their current environment. Poor drainage, lack of sunlight, or competition from nearby plants can all be reasons to transplant boxwoods.
• Propagating Boxwoods: Homeowners may transplant boxwoods to propagate new plants by dividing an existing shrub. Transplanting young shoots or offsets can help create new hedges or topiary without buying new plants.

Conclusion

Transplanting boxwoods can seem daunting, but with the right preparation, timing, and technique, it’s a highly rewarding task that enhances your garden’s beauty and longevity. Understanding how to transplant boxwoods and taking steps to minimize transplant shock ensures your shrubs thrive in their new location. From knowing the best time to transplant, selecting the ideal spot, and preparing the plant for its move, following this comprehensive guide will help you successfully relocate your boxwoods with minimal stress and effort. Whether you’re tackling the project yourself or hiring a professional, the key is careful planning and attention to detail, ensuring your boxwoods flourish for years to come.