I was thinking about digging out a spotted laurel bush altogether. It's 5 foot or so high, maybe 4 across. However, I am wondering whether I can incorporate it into a new planting scheme BUT much smaller, say a 2 foot ball. If I were to cut it back in one go to 2', would death be inevitable?! Or would new shoots sprout from the trunks?

Can I do it now (mid March)? Bear in mind it won't be a catastrophe if I fail, except it would be good to know now, if the plan is doomed, so I can dig it out and plant something else!

I am in Southern Hampshire on clay soil.

Thanks