Moving established shrubs

I want to move a laurel and a large fern. Would you do it now or Oct. Are they eassy to move if I take care withg the root ball. Would a 6ft Bereberis 10 yr old move or should I buy new.

 

Thery are better moved when dormant .... October/ November would be better
I have moved a large berberis, but I cut it back to a couple of feet first. They grow back quite quickly when established
You should cut the others back too before moving
You might find that the root of the berberis is quite large and you may have to cut a couple of major roots at 10 years old
Not sure what the roots of the Laurel will be like
The fern should be no trouble

 

On the whole I prefer to take lots of cuttings of plants I want to move, and take them instead, leaving the parent behind. It saves a lot of hassle! On the other hand, I've never tried a fern cutting! Maybe a few divisions too!

 

I have seen it suggested that you dig a trench round the shrub, ie round the rootball, leave it for a while and lift it later. You are cutting through the roots that you can't take anyway, but you stimulate the plant to grow new fine roots within the existing rootball to compensate. This makes a healthier rootball when you finally lift it.