How to Dig Up Flowering Quince
- 1). Wrap heavy twine around the underside of the lower branches of the quince shrub. Pull the twine tight and tie a knot. This will hold the lowest branches out of the way while you dig up the shrub.
- 2). Estimate how large the root ball of the tree is. For example, a quince shrub with a 3/4-inch trunk will have a root ball which is approximately 14 inches in diameter. Shrubs with 2-inch diameter trunks will have a 24-inch root ball.
- 3). Spray a circle, 6 inches larger than the predicted size of the root ball, on the ground around the quince shrub. Use a brightly colored spray paint, so it will show up on the grass or dirt.
- 4). Turn the back of the spade toward the quince shrub. Place the spade somewhere along the circle. Push the spade into the ground to a depth of 12 inches. Pull out the spade and place it on the next part of the circle. Do the same thing all around the circle, leaving you with a 12-inch deep circle.
- 5). Dig a trench around the circle with a large garden shovel. The trench must be three-quarters of the diameter of the root ball. For example, a 10-inch root ball will need a 7.5-inch deep trench.
- 6). Place the spade in the trench at a 45-degree angle. Push the spade into the soil to sever any roots still attached to the ground.
- 7). Roll the burlap into a log shape by folding over the short end and continuing to roll the burlap in that direction. Leave about 1 foot of the burlap unrolled.
- 8). Push the quince shrub over just enough to slide the unrolled burlap under the tree. Lift up on the shrub just enough to pull half of the rolled burlap to the other side.
- 9). Hold onto two corners of the burlap while a helper holds onto the other two ends. Lift up to remove the quince shrub.
- 10
Wrap the burlap around the root ball and tie with twine to secure.
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