If the privet gets in the way of its current location or if the location is unfavorable so that the shrub doesn't grow well, many gardeners think about replanting. That's easier said than done. You have to expect a lot of work if you want to transplant privet, at least if the shrub or hedge is older.
When and how is it best to transplant privet?
Privet should be transplanted in spring or early autumn when the shrub is young and the roots are not yet very developed. Cut back the privet, carefully dig up the root ball and plant it in a new, larger planting hole. Then water well.
When should you transplant privet?
You should think carefully about whether you really want to transplant a privet. Even though the shrub has shallow roots, 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 yet that developed.
The effort is usually not worth it for older hedges. It's easier if you plant a new hedge in the desired location straight away. The young plants are very inexpensive and are easy to grow yourself.
- Only move younger privets
- Transplanting in spring or autumn
- cut back beforehand
- water well after moving
The best time to transplant privet
Spring but also early autumn is a good time to move a privet. Then the soil is usually well moist and there is enough time for the plant to form new roots.
In principle, you can transplant 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. Use the digging fork (€139.00 on Amazon) to pierce the soil around the bush at a distance of about one meter to loosen it. You won't damage as many roots as you would if you dug them out with a spade.
Prick under the roots with the fork and lift the soil again and again to loosen the root ball from the soil.
Create a new planting hole that is approximately twice the size of the root ball. Plant the privet as straight as possible, tamp down the soil and water it well.
Tip
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 bush also sprouts again from small pieces of roots.
