Transplanting Shrubs
When transplanting old established plants, prune away one third of the branches to compensate for unavoidable root loss. To prune, always cut branches back to a growth bud in the angle of stem and leaf. Make a sloping cut just above the bud.
It is advisable to tip-prune balled-and-burlapped shrubs (shrubs whose roots and soil mass are wrapped in burlap). Pruning away some top-growth at planting time helps offset shock to the root system. Dig the planting hole about twice the size of the root system. Loosen the soil in the bottom of the hole. If the plant’s roots are bare, spread roots as you fill the hole with soil. Apply plenty of water to drive out air pockets.