Privet is a shallow-rooted plant. Nevertheless, it is not so easy to transplant the shrub or permanently remove the roots from the garden. What should you know about the flat-rooted privet?
Is privet a shallow root?
The privet is a shallow-rooted plant whose roots grow close to the surface and form a dense network in older shrubs. Nevertheless, transplanting or removing roots from the garden requires a careful and thorough approach to be successful and sustainable.
Privet, a shallow-rooted plant
Privet over the years develops a very dense, finely branched root system that does not reach too deep. As shallow-rooted organisms, the roots remain relatively close to the surface.
The advantage is certainly that the roots do not become so strong that they damage masonry or lift paving slabs. You can therefore place a privet relatively close to buildings or paths.
Transplanting privet in the garden
Many garden owners assume that a shallow-rooted plant like privet is quite easy to transplant. That's only partly true. Moving older privet bushes is strenuous work. You have to dig generously around the bush to get the roots out of the ground as undamaged as possible.
You can dig up and transplant younger privet bushes relatively easily. But be careful not to damage or bend the root system too much when digging up and replanting.
They will grow back relatively quickly in their new location if they are watered sufficiently.
Removing Privet Roots
Even if the privet has shallow roots - removing the roots is a matter in itself. The older the bush, the denser the root system. You won't get very far with manual work.
Younger privet plants can be loosened well with a digging fork. Dig them up and pull the root system out of the ground as much as possible. Remember that new plants can sprout from remaining root residues.
For older privet hedges, you should borrow a mini excavator (€24.00 on Amazon) and get to work with it. Don't forget that a large privet bush weighs quite a bit. The easiest way is to entrust this work to a garden specialist. The experts will dispose of the bush at the same time.
Tip
Since the roots of the privet do not grow very deep into the ground, the shrub can only supply itself with sufficient water in very dry weather conditions. Therefore, water – even in winter on frost-free days.
