If the privet disturbs its previous location or if the location is unfavorable so that the shrub does not grow well, many gardeners think about transplanting. That's easier said than done. You have to reckon with a lot of work if you want to transplant privet, at least if the shrub or hedge is older.
Only small privets can be transplanted without damage
When should you transplant privet?
You should think twice about whether you really want to transplant a privet. Even if the shrub is a shallow root, it forms a very dense root system that is difficult to get out of the ground.
You can only transplant younger privets without any problems, as the roots are not as pronounced here.
With older hedges, the effort is usually not worth it. It is easier if you plant a new hedge in the desired location right away. The young plants are very inexpensive and easy to grow yourself.
- Move younger privet only
- Transplant in spring or autumn
- cut back before
- water well after turning
The best time to transplant privet
To move a privet, spring but also early autumn is well suited. Then the soil is usually well moist and there is enough time for the plant to form new roots.
In principle, you can replant the robust shrub at any time except in winter, as long as you water it sufficiently afterwards.
Dig up and move privet
Cut back the privet before digging it up. Poke the soil around the shrub about a meter (3 feet) apart with the digging fork to loosen it. You won't damage as many roots as you would when digging up with a spade.
Poke the fork under the roots, lifting the soil from time to time to loosen the root ball from the soil.
Create a new planting hole about twice the size of the root ball. Insert the privet as straight as possible, tread down the soil and water it well.
tips
If you want the privet to disappear completely from the garden, you have to make sure that you get the roots completely out of the ground. The shrub will also sprout again from small pieces of root.