Moving a Philadelphus

Hope someone can advize me on this or at least offer an opinion.
I have a Mock Orange tree which is about 9ft tall. The problem is i need to move it to build a patio (a very long and boring story!)My question is, should i and indeed could i?
I have a cutting rooted as a back up if needed, but it was supposed to be for my dad (never mind he will wait) lol.
Thanks in advance
Joi

 

At that height I reckon it is going to be very hard and back breaking job. No matter how careful you are you will be severing major roots, cause the roots by now must be embedded in over a ton of soil. To move an established bush i have trenched round to quite a depth. I have then in the trench started digging under the bush and have inserted a large piece of strong polythene or really heavy duty nylon bag type thing. The bush and soil ball have then been lifted and slid along the ground to the prepared new planting hole. However at that size you will be cutting through major roots, you may get die back and the bush may never be the same again.
It may be simpler to chop it and use the cutting. I would.

 

Personaly I would just replace it. However, if not then chainsaw off around 2/3rds of the growth also cutting off some branches from the base.

As described tench around and under dig, cut roots cleanly.

In terms of shifting it then in the case of putting in a patio you are likely to have a mini digger, if so stick a webbing strap or rope around and lift it with the machine.

Nice big planting hole with leaf mould and bonemeal and water in well, possibly mulch the top.

 

Thnkyou for your help. I'm going to have a look at it this week. If i cany move it then i'll have to sacrifice it and get another. Wish me luck!

 

Yes good luck to you and your philadelphus Joihann. They are one of my favourite plants, purely because of the gorgeous scent.

 

Well i moved it yesterday with my hubby's help I pruned it quite hard back to reduce water loss and give the poor thing half a chance, took as much as the roots up as we could and put it in a hole i'd already prepared with a good dollop of manure and a top dressing of compost so keep your fingers crossed for it please lol. I wont know til spring whether it survived but here's hoping!!