On Sat, 31 Jul 2004 18:23:44 -0500, effi wrote:

what is the likelihood of success in transplanting a 30 year old bush by
digging it up entirely and relocating it during the peak of summer?

how would such an operation be done?

the area is needed and saving the bush by transplanting would be preferred
to cutting it down to make the area available

Good day. With out knowing what type of plant you speak of or the area you
live in, I'll only be able to give general information.

Soak the area around the base of the shrub. Really soak it through well.
Dig as large of a rootball as you can and as deep as possible. Of course
this root ball has to be small enough to be picked up and moved by 1,2,3
people. The more manpower you have the bigger the ball. After the shrub
has been broken free from the ground, lift the shrub straight up and
place on a tarp. Wrap the rootball and tie it at the shrub's base if you
have to move it any large distance. Other wise just drag the tarp acrossed
the lawn to the new area to be planted. Dig your new hole, ammend the area
if needed and place the shrub in it. Do not plant any deeper than was
orginally or the trunk will rot. After the shrub has been planted in it's
new home, mound dirt in a donut shape around the shrub. This mound should
be at the drip line and about 4 inches high and all the way around the
shrub. Fill this 'bowl' up with water. If your shrub has been moved into
a hot, sunny area, then get a white sheet and place over the whole
shrub. This will help with sun burn and will slow down the
evapotranspiration rates, thus negating wilt and die off. Fill your
watering bowl every few days when hot.

I have done this quite a few times with good results. The white sheet
really make a big difference and keeps the shrub much cooler while letting
some light through.
Good luck