Question
When is it a good time to transplant a large forsythia bush?
My bush is just getting buds. I live in new Hampshire
so it is still cold here.

Answer
Hello Nancy

Transplanting is always best left until the fall.  The plant will be slowing down for the coming winter and will be less stressed by a move.

You say that this is a big plant, so it may be better to reduce its size by about 1/3 before digging it up with as much of its root system as possible.  By reducing the size you will probably sacrifice the spring blossom next year, but it should be OK in the following year(s).

Make sure that you dig a hole dig enough to take the rootball without having to cram it in, loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole, add a handful or two of bonemeal (or other growth stimulator) and fork it into the loosened soil.  You could scatter some bonemeal onto the soil that came out of the hole as well.  This will encourage the plant to put out new feeder roots.

Fill in around the plant, gently firming the soil as you go.  Finally give the area around the plant a really good watering and spread a mulch of well rotten garden compost or leaf mould around the forsythia, about 3" deep, but don't let it touch the stem as this can encourage rotting.

During the first growing season (i.e. next year) water the plant well during dry spells.  After that it should be able to take care of itself.

Regards

Gill