Question
QUESTION: I find that I must transplant a large forsythia bush.  This bush has been growing next to my house for over 25 years and I must move it.  It is past the bloom and now has the green leaves.  I have read lots of help articles about trying to root cuttings, but I'd really like to move the entire bush.  I live in MA.  I do believe I've read that this is not the optimal time to transplant but that cannot be helped.  I am a novice gardener and would appreciate any help, particularly help geared to someone who knows very little in terms of gardening.  Thank you in advance.

ANSWER: Hi Cindy,
Thanx for your question.  One thing I have learned in gardening and in other things is, don't let the "experts" box you in.  There are always alternatives and although some may be unconventional that doesn't mean they are not appropriate and that they don't work.  With that said, now is not the optimal time to transplant but like you said, you don't have any other choice.  I have transplanted all kinds of stuff at this time of year and with few unpleasant results.  Here's what I would do.  I would prune the shrub back severely so you will not have such a challenge handling it.  Forsythia are very rugged shrubs and this will not harm it.  Dig the root ball out of the soil.  You should have some helpers as this is going to be a chore.  Dig deep and take as much of the rootball as possible.  Once the rootball has been extracted, you can divide it up to make several, easier to handle shrubs.  Just make sure there are ample roots in each division.  You can use a saw to make the divisions, even a chainsaw is good.  When relocating the shrub(s), make the hole slightly deeper than the depth of the current root ball.  Make sure the hole is ample enough to comfortable accomodate the roots.  Don't "stuff" the plant into its new home.  Cover the bottom of the hole with composted manure and then fit and fashion the roots comfortably into the hole.  Cover with soil and then soak the daylights out of the plant.  Side dress with composted cow manure, grass clippings and other organic mulch.  It is early enough in the season that the shrubs should recover nicely and bloom for you next year.  I hope this helps.
Tom

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QUESTION: Thank you for your reply.  What would be considered 'ample roots' in each division?  I have never transplanted a shrub.  I appreciate your time.

Answer
Hi Cindy,
Thanx for your question.  You will need help with a rootball froma large shrub.  I should have mentioned that.  I would try to dig out a rootball about the size of a beach ball.  Shake off all the dirt which will help make it weigh less.  At this point, you will want to consider dividing it.  You can trim the rootball down to the size of a basketball but make sure that there are thick roots in the rootball and this will give the plant a good rootsystem.  Be sure to side dress the planting with composted cow manure because the shrub will need it to help it rejuvenate.  I hope this helps!
Tom