How Hard Is It To Dig Up A Boxwood

Digging up a boxwood is a moderately hard task that depends heavily on the size, age, and root structure of the shrub.
 
If you’ve ever tried to dig up a boxwood that’s been in the ground for years, you know the struggle is real.
 
The difficulty comes from a dense, fibrous root system that spreads wide and deep, often wider than the plant’s canopy.
 
Smaller, younger boxwoods are easier to dig up because their roots haven’t fully established yet.
 
Older, mature boxwoods can require significant effort, tools, and even a second pair of hands.
 
In this post, we’ll break down exactly what makes digging up a boxwood hard, how to prepare for the job, and practical tips to reduce the struggle.
 
Let’s jump in.
 

Why Digging Up a Boxwood Can Be So Hard

Several factors combine to make digging up a boxwood a physically demanding chore.
 

1. The Root System Is Dense and Fibrous

Boxwoods develop a thick mat of fine, woody roots that cling tightly to the soil.
 
When you try to dig up a boxwood, these roots act like hidden cables anchoring the plant in place.
 
Unlike some trees with a single taproot, boxwoods spread roots horizontally for several feet in every direction.
 
This means you cannot simply pull the plant free without cutting through a tangled network.
 

2. The Plant’s Age and Size Add to the Challenge

A young boxwood that’s only been in the ground for a couple of seasons is relatively easy to dig up.
 
But a mature boxwood that’s been growing for ten years or more?
 
That’s a whole different story.
 
The older the plant, the larger the root ball and the heavier the load.
 
Digging up a boxwood that’s over three feet tall can leave you sweating and straining for an hour or more.
 

3. Soil Type Makes a Huge Difference

If you’re digging in loose, sandy soil, the roots release much easier.
 
But heavy clay soil clings to roots and turns an ordinary digging job into an arm‑and‑back workout.
 
Rocky soil also poses a major obstacle when you dig up a boxwood, as stones block the shovel and make root cutting more difficult.
 

4. The Time of Year Affects the Difficulty

Digging up a boxwood during the dry summer months can be extra hard because the soil is compacted and root growth is active.
 
Early spring or fall is the best time to dig up a boxwood because the soil is moist and the plant is semi‑dormant.
 
Moist soil allows you to slice through roots more cleanly, rather than tearing them.
 

How to Make Digging Up a Boxwood Easier

You don’t have to suffer through the process blind.
 
A few smart strategies can turn a back‑breaking job into a manageable one.
 

1. Water the Soil Well Before You Start

A day before you dig up a boxwood, give it a deep soak.
 
Water softens the ground and helps the roots release their grip on the soil.
 
Dry, hard soil makes every shovel strike feel like hitting concrete.
 
Moisture also reduces dust and makes the root ball easier to lift intact.
 

2. Use the Right Tools for the Job

A sharp spade with a pointed blade is essential when you dig up a boxwood.
 
A flat‑edged shovel struggles to cut through dense roots.
 
Add a root saw or a pruning saw for the thickest roots you encounter.
 
A digging bar can also help pry the root ball loose from stubborn soil.
 

3. Root Prune Several Months in Advance

If you have time to plan, root pruning makes digging up a boxwood far less hard.
 
In late winter or early spring, cut a circle around the plant with a sharp spade, severing the outer roots.
 
Let the plant grow new, compact roots inside that circle for a few months.
 
When you finally dig up the boxwood, the root ball will be much smaller and easier to lift.
 

4. Use a Tarp or Burlap to Move the Root Ball

Once you’ve dug around and under the root ball, slip a tarp or piece of burlap underneath.
 
This lets you drag the boxwood to its new location without lifting the entire weight.
 
It also keeps the root ball intact, reducing transplant shock.
 

Step‑by‑Step Guide to Digging Up a Boxwood

Follow these steps to dig up a boxwood with the least amount of struggle.
 

1. Measure the Root Ball Size

For every inch of trunk diameter (measured six inches above ground), expect about ten to twelve inches of root ball width.
 
For a boxwood that’s three feet tall, the root ball will be roughly eighteen to twenty‑four inches wide.
 
Mark a circle around the plant at that distance from the trunk.
 

2. Dig a Trench Around the Root Ball

Using your sharp spade, dig a trench just outside the marked circle.
 
Cut straight down, about twelve to eighteen inches deep, depending on the plant size.
 
As you dig, angle the spade slightly inward to start undercutting the root ball.
 
This step is where you feel how hard it is to dig up a boxwood, especially if roots are thick.
 

3. Sever the Lower Roots

Once the trench is complete, slide a shovel or root saw under the root ball to cut any roots growing straight downward.
 
Rock the plant gently to see if it moves freely.
 
If it still feels anchored, cut more roots from underneath.
 

4. Lift or Drag the Root Ball Free

After all roots are cut, lift the root ball out of the hole.
 
For large boxwoods, place a tarp next to the hole and roll the root ball onto it.
 
Then drag the tarp to the new planting site.
 

So, How Hard Is It to Dig Up a Boxwood?

Digging up a boxwood is a hard task, but it’s absolutely doable with the right preparation and tools.
 
The difficulty is real because of the dense root system, plant age, soil type, and time of year.
 
However, by watering in advance, using a sharp spade, root pruning ahead of time, and using a tarp for transport, you can dramatically reduce the struggle.
 
Small boxwoods are easy to dig up; large ones will test your patience and strength.
 
No matter the size, understanding what makes digging up a boxwood hard helps you plan a smarter approach.
 
So yes, it’s hard work, but with the steps outlined above, you can successfully dig up a boxwood and move it to a new spot without too much drama.