Shrub replanting and covering

For many UK homeowners, professional help ensures that heavy rootballs are handled safely and that the "right plant, right place" principle is followed. This guide covers everything from the physical labour involved to the typical costs you can expect from a professional gardener in 2025.

What Does the Work Involve?

• Site Assessment: Checking soil type (clay, sandy, or loam) and drainage to ensure the new shrub is compatible.
• Removal: Digging out the existing shrub, including as much of the rootball as possible to prevent regrowth or disease spread.
• Soil Preparation: Improving the planting hole with organic matter, compost, or mycorrhizal fungi to encourage root growth.
• Planting: Positioning the new shrub at the correct depth—ensuring the root flare is level with the soil surface.
• Staking and Securing: Installing stakes or ties for taller or top-heavy shrubs to prevent "wind rock" while roots establish.
• Mulching: Applying a thick layer of bark or compost to retain moisture and suppress competing weeds.
• Waste Management: Bagging and removing green waste or processing it for on-site composting.

Typical Costs

The cost of shrub replanting is primarily driven by the size of the plant being removed and the cost of the new specimen. Labour rates vary by region, with London and the South East typically seeing higher hourly fees.

Factors affecting the price include the ease of access to your garden, the hardness of the ground (especially in summer), and whether specialist equipment like a stump grinder is required for established roots.

How Long Does It Take?

• Small Shrub Replacement: 1–2 hours. Includes digging out a small rootball and improving the soil.
• Large/Established Shrub: 3–5 hours. Often involves significant manual digging or use of a reciprocating saw for thick roots.
• Border Refresh (Multiple Shrubs): 1–2 days. Depending on the number of plants and the amount of ground preparation required.

DIY or Professional?

Planting a small, pot-grown shrub from a garden centre is a manageable DIY task for most. However, professional gardeners bring expertise in biosecurity—crucial if you are removing a plant killed by Honey Fungus or Box Blight. Professionals also have the heavy-duty tools required to lift large rootballs without damaging surrounding plants or underground services. If the job involves a large specimen or structural planting, a pro ensures the plant is staked correctly to survive UK winter gales.

Choosing the Right Tradesperson

• Check Qualifications: Look for RHS (Royal Horticultural Society) Level 2 or 3, or Lantra awards.
• Waste Licence: Ensure they hold an Environment Agency waste carrier licence if they are taking the old plants away.
• Insurance: Confirm they have Public Liability insurance to cover potential damage to your property or underground pipes.
• Questions to Ask:
  • Do you source plants from nurseries with high biosecurity standards?
  • Is soil conditioner and mulch included in your quote?
  • How deep will you dig the hole compared to the rootball size?
  • What is your policy if the plant fails to establish within the first six months?

UK Regulations

• Wildlife and Countryside Act: It is illegal to disturb nesting birds. If your shrub is being removed between March and August, your gardener must check for active nests first.
• Waste Disposal: Garden waste cannot be put in standard household bins. Professionals must dispose of it at licensed green waste facilities.
• Water Regulations: Be aware of temporary use bans (hosepipe bans) in your area, as new shrubs require consistent watering to establish.

Common Problems

• Planting Too Deep: This is the most common cause of shrub death. If the stem is buried too deeply, it can rot; if too shallow, the roots dry out.
• Pot-Bound Roots: If a new shrub's roots are circling the pot, they must be teased out. If left, the plant may never establish in the surrounding soil.
• Air Pockets: Failing to firm the soil down around the roots leaves air pockets, which can cause roots to desiccate and die.
• Lack of Aftercare: Even the best-planted shrub will die in a dry UK spring if it isn't watered regularly for its first full growing season.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time of year to replant shrubs in the UK?

The ideal window is between October and April. During this dormant season, the soil is usually moist, and the plant can focus on root growth without the stress of supporting leaves in the summer heat.

Can I replant a shrub that I’ve dug up from elsewhere in the garden?

Yes, but success depends on keeping the rootball intact. You should move it during the dormant season and ensure you take as much of the original soil as possible to protect the fine feeder roots.

What is the purpose of mulch?

Mulch (usually bark chip or well-rotted manure) acts as an insulating layer. It keeps moisture in the soil, prevents weed competition, and slowly adds nutrients as it breaks down.

How much should I water my new shrub?

For the first year, you should water it deeply once a week, or more frequently during dry spells. A light sprinkle on the surface is not enough; the water needs to reach the bottom of the rootball.

What should I do if my old shrub died of a disease?

If the plant had Honey Fungus or Verticillium Wilt, you must remove the soil and avoid planting susceptible species in that spot. A professional can advise on "resistant" varieties to prevent the problem from recurring.

Pro Tip: Always check for underground utility cables before digging, especially near the front of your property. A simple cable avoidance tool (CAT) scan by a professional can save a very expensive mistake.