Question
this coming feb / march I plan to do some major landscaping.  i've got a number of large holly bushes that I'm considering aggressively cutting back and them moving.  is this the best time and way to do this and are there any critical steps (size of dirt ball, etc) that I shud be thinking of?

Answer
Mark,

I would recommend hiring a company that specializes in moving plants. They have specialized equipment called tree spades that will dig out the trees with 90% of the roots still intact, and move it anywhere you would like it. In order for you to do this, the root ball could weigh up to 500 pounds or more.

If you wish to do itself, try to dig out the root ball just beyond the ends of the branches. This should protect enough of the roots to enable the plants to survive. Move them immediately to the pre-prepared locations. Use some Tree Saver in the holes to stimulate root growth and keep them well watered throughout the first year.

Good luck,
Ed Gulliksen