Question
Dear Larry
thank you for providing this service
I have a number or shrubbs and trees i want to move
They vary in size from 3-12 feet
Some are conifers i think, non are desiduice[?]
I could send photos
I live in nothern vic Australia
How should i move or go about preparing to move these plants
Watering seems obvious even if its just to soften the soil
Help help
Regards Mick  

Answer
hey Mick
moving a shrub is easy depending on how large it is and how vast the root system is. The general procedure is to dig a trench around the drip line ( the outermost edge of the shrub) and pry it up from underneith so you have a good root ball with a root system capable of reestablishing
quickly. If you are moving it a distance away it is a good idea to wrap it with burlap. When planting it at its new site dig the hole twice as big as the root ball and as deep. back fill the hole a bit so the root ball will rest
even with the top of the soil around it. (ground level)
it is a good idea to use some of the same soil it was taken from put in the new planting site to reduce shock.
add some organic soil (compost) if you can get it or peatmoss and some root starter. keep soil moist not wet
and mulch to reduce transpiration. make sure soil ph level is optimal so reestablishment will be quicker. Good Luck Larry ;-)