Transplanting French Lace Lilac (Question Submitted )

The Fundy Gardeners blog has received a question about Transplanting French Lace Lilac

How does one transplant a mature French Lace Lilac Tree with out killing it ,in light of ,one is not able to dig it out with a back hoe. Need to cut it back to be able to handle it . Can the roots be divided.

Transplanting a large shrub is really no different or more stressful to the shrub than when it was younger and smaller, provided the same relative-size undisturbed root-ball is successfully lifted. That's where it becomes more challenging for the digger who has to handle the larger, heavier plant. Heavily pruning back the top (30-50%) to match the much-reduced root mass will increase the chances of success greatly, as well as make the top a more manageable size. Then dig a trench at a radius of 18-24" from the trunk(s), cutting all roots encountered, 12" deep or more, until most roots are cut, then cut under the root ball as much as possible and pull and pry it out. 3 or 4 helpers would make it much easier. Doing the job before mid-May when little bud burst had yet happened will greatly increase the chances of survival, which should then be in the order of 80-90%. Quickly locate the shrub in its new hole, with manure and bonemeal worked in under and around the root ball, pack in soil and water well. Should be fine!
 
 Duncan Kelbaugh Brunswick Nurseries Ltd.