Trees, Shrubs and Conifers: So you want to transplant that shrub?, 1 by ViburnumValley

ViburnumValley wrote:
Once the surrounding trench is deep/wide enough, it is time to begin undercutting the ball to complete the severance of this plant from its present home.

On small plants (as illustrated), this is relatively simple. On bigger plants (to be shown later) this is a much larger chore.

Angling the spade to penetrate under the rootball, and pushing it in from all sides will cut the descending roots. Then, while supporting the plant, use the spade to pry/lift the ball to assure that it is indeed separated from its surroundings.