How To Dig Up A Large Boxwood

To dig up a large boxwood, you need the right tools, patience, and a clear plan to protect the root ball.
 
Digging up a large boxwood isn’t as simple as yanking it out of the ground because the root system is dense and wide.
 
If you’re wondering how to dig up a large boxwood without damaging it, the process involves careful preparation and technique.
 
In this post, I’ll walk you through exactly how to dig up a large boxwood so you can relocate it successfully.
 
Let’s get to it.
 

How to Dig Up a Large Boxwood: Preparation Is Key

Before you start digging up a large boxwood, preparation sets you up for success.
 
Here’s what you need to know before you dig up a large boxwood.
 

1. Water the Boxwood a Day Before

Watering deeply 24 hours before you dig up a large boxwood helps the soil hold together around the roots.
 
Moist soil is less likely to crumble away from the root ball when you start digging up a large boxwood.
 
This step is critical in how to dig up a large boxwood because dry soil can cause roots to break.
 

2. Gather the Right Tools for Digging Up a Large Boxwood

You’ll need a sharp spade, a pruning saw, a tarp or burlap, and plenty of muscle for digging up a large boxwood.
 
A large boxwood has a root ball that can weigh hundreds of pounds, so gather helpers or a dolly too.
 
When you dig up a large boxwood, having the right gear prevents frustration and damage to the plant.
 

3. Mark the Root Ball Size for Digging Up a Large Boxwood

The root ball for a large boxwood typically extends as wide as the drip line of the branches.
 
Measure about 12 inches from the trunk for every inch of trunk diameter to know how to dig up a large boxwood properly.
 
Draw a circle on the soil with lime or a stick to guide your first cuts when you dig up a large boxwood.
 

The Process of Digging Up a Large Boxwood

Now that you’re prepared, here is the step-by-step method for how to dig up a large boxwood.
 
Follow these steps closely when you dig up a large boxwood to keep the root ball intact.
 

1. Cut a Trench Around the Root Ball

Start by digging a trench along the marked circle when you dig up a large boxwood.
 
Use your spade to slice straight down about 12 to 18 inches deep for digging up a large boxwood.
 
This trench defines the root ball and allows you to work underneath it as you dig up a large boxwood.
 

2. Sever the Roots With a Pruning Saw

As you dig up a large boxwood, you’ll encounter thick roots that won’t cut with a spade.
 
Use a pruning saw to cleanly sever those roots when you dig up a large boxwood, avoiding tearing.
 
Clean cuts help the boxwood recover faster after you finish digging up a large boxwood.
 

3. Work Under the Root Ball

Once the trench is deep enough, angle your spade under the root ball when you dig up a large boxwood.
 
Rock the spade back and forth to loosen the soil as you dig up a large boxwood from below.
 
Take your time because rushing when you dig up a large boxwood can shatter the root ball.
 

4. Lift the Boxwood With Care

After you’ve freed the root ball, slide a tarp or burlap under it while you dig up a large boxwood.
 
With helpers, lift the large boxwood onto the tarp, keeping the root ball wrapped securely.
 
This is the most delicate part of how to dig up a large boxwood because the roots are exposed.
 

After You Dig Up a Large Boxwood: Next Steps

Once you’ve successfully dug up a large boxwood, the work isn’t over yet.
 
Here’s what to do after you dig up a large boxwood to ensure it survives transplanting.
 

1. Keep the Root Ball Moist

Immediately after you dig up a large boxwood, wrap the root ball in damp burlap to prevent drying.
 
Dry roots die quickly, so keep the root ball moist as you transport the large boxwood.
 

2. Replant Promptly After Digging Up a Large Boxwood

The best time to dig up a large boxwood is in early spring or fall, and you should replant within a few hours.
 
Dig a new hole twice as wide as the root ball before you dig up a large boxwood so it’s ready.
 
This reduces stress on the plant after you’ve completed how to dig up a large boxwood.
 

3. Water and Mulch After Transplanting

After replanting the large boxwood, water it deeply to settle the soil around the roots.
 
Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch to retain moisture and moderate soil temperature for your large boxwood.
 

So, How to Dig Up a Large Boxwood?

To dig up a large boxwood, you must prepare by watering, gathering tools, and marking the root ball.
 
Then you cut a trench, sever roots, work under the ball, and lift it carefully when digging up a large boxwood.
 
After you dig up a large boxwood, keep the root ball moist, replant quickly, and water well.
 
This method confirms how to dig up a large boxwood safely and successfully for transplanting.
 
Hope this guide helps you handle the job with confidence when you need to dig up a large boxwood.