Question
Hello -

I live in Toledo Ohio.  I have about seven burning bushes, age about 14 years, that I would like to relocate.  Is it possible to move these without seriously damaging them? Or would I be better off getting new plants and leaving these alone?

If you think I can, can you give me some advice on transplanting them? We've been experiencing a very mild winter this year, if that has any bearing on anything.  When would be the optimal time to transplant these bushes so they have the best chance to survive.

Thank you.

Answer
Hello Dick

Since your Burning Bush shrubs are 14 years old I expect they are pretty big.  The root system will spread out underground to the same extent that the branches spread above ground.  As you have to take a substantial amount of roots when you transplant any plant, I think you would be letting yourself in for a huge amount of hard work if you try to transplant yours, so I would suggest that you leave them where they are and buy new plants.

If you do decide that you really want to transplant, come back to me and I'll explain the technique in detail.

Gill