Transplanting Indian Hawthornes

Question

I have an area that was over planted with Indian Hawthonres and I think it is too thick and could harbor snakes and or rodents. I would like to thin them out by transplanting some to another section of lawn. They are healthy and about 5 years old. Being that it is Mid May can these be transplanted now? If so, please send tips. Thank you, KimL.

Answer 1

Late winter or early spring while the shrubs are still dormant is best.
This fall you can root prune the shrubs to get them ready for the transplant.
If you are transplanting a hawthorn from somewhere else in your garden, root prune it about three months before transplanting. To root prune, press a sharp hoe blade into the soil repeatedly to cut a circle 8 inches deep into the ground around the growing tree. The circle should have a diameter of at least 24 inches, more if the tree trunk’s diameter is more than 1 inch. This will cut off the long roots that cannot travel with the bush to its new location and encourage the formation of shorter roots.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/shrubs/indian-hawthorn/growing-indian-hawthorn.htm