transplanting native Viburnum dentatum - Ask Extension
Hi:
I would like to transplant a few native Viburnum dentatum shrubs from one area of my property to another area.
Each multi-stem plant is about 12...
Knowledgebase
transplanting native Viburnum dentatum #929142
Asked April 21, 2026, 4:29 PM EDT
Hi:
I would like to transplant a few native Viburnum dentatum shrubs from one area of my property to another area.
Each multi-stem plant is about 12-15 inches across near the base (photo 1), about 7-8 feet tall, and the branches at about 6' above ground form a circle about 5 feet across in diameter. Photo 2 has a number of V. dentatums side-by-side so it is difficult to show you that the branches form a 5 foot diameter ball. The branches are fully leaved out. And that is my main concern and reason for writing since the leaves are now fully open on the branches.
I think that I should have done the move perhaps a month or more ago. So is the next two weeks still a good time to move a fully leaved out viburnum knowing that the daily temperatures in May will increase greatly and the days will become drier or do you recommend that I wait to make this move either in the fall or early next spring? Either way, I will make sure that the ground is kept appropriately wet. Thank you for your guidance.
Carroll County Maryland
Expert Response
Hi Jim. If your plants were a bit smaller, I would advise that it would be a reasonable gamble to transplant them now. But, since they are quite large, and--as you note--since they have emerged from dormancy, I think the prudent course is to wait until the fall. Large plants are especially susceptible to transplant shock during hot weather.
Here is a response from an Ask Extension Maryland colleague about moving a viburnum and a magnolia. https://ask.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=887058 Note especially the advice on watering, digging a large hole, and mulch application.
Prepare the new space for the plant first, removing weeds and other unwanted plants, improving the soil as needed, and making sure to give it enough room to grow without crowding. Since your plants are so large, they and their root balls will be heavy, so it likely would be helpful to find a couple of other persons to help you both with digging out the plant (taking care not to damage the root structure) and moving it to its new location (likely best to move it via a tarp or wheelbarrow, rather than trying to carry it).
Best of luck with this project.
Bob
Here is a response from an Ask Extension Maryland colleague about moving a viburnum and a magnolia. https://ask.extension.org/kb/faq.php?id=887058 Note especially the advice on watering, digging a large hole, and mulch application.
Prepare the new space for the plant first, removing weeds and other unwanted plants, improving the soil as needed, and making sure to give it enough room to grow without crowding. Since your plants are so large, they and their root balls will be heavy, so it likely would be helpful to find a couple of other persons to help you both with digging out the plant (taking care not to damage the root structure) and moving it to its new location (likely best to move it via a tarp or wheelbarrow, rather than trying to carry it).
Best of luck with this project.
Bob
