Lift and replant, see what happens.

Design tip: do not using formally symmetric matching pairs unless you have a formally symmetric facade. If front of house not uniform throughout, use informal balance instead. This would be something like large shrub (mahonia) on one side, small (azalea? sarcococca?) and medium shrub (pieris?) on other side.

Thanks for the advice. As for design, unfortunately, I do have a formal, symmetrical facade (columns and everything). I used to have dwarf Alberta spruces on either side, which were perfect from a design standpoint, but were attacked by spider mites. The rest of the foundation gardens are not symmetrical and are rather informal, but it seems to me there should be a matching pair on either side. I am using the Mahonias because they don't have a rigidly formal shape. One will be adjacent to a pieris, the other adjacent to a barberry. Of course, I'm going on the assumption that the mohonia will only grow to ten feet. If anyone else has proof to the contrary, please let me know and save us some work. Thanks!

Cassidyway how did it turn out? I have a rather large one I’m trying to talk the guys into moving for me. Thinking wrap in quilt and bungee it, then go for it. It’s definitely outgrown its spot and fortunately we are on two acres so I have new, roomy spots for it and if it separates we’ll just have more.

i dont know why you need to wrap it in a quilt ... just take some clothes line or rope.. and tie it up.. like you might see an xmas tree bound up for shipping ... plants are flexible.. within limits.. and getting enough of the plant out of the way to allow digging is very common ... be gentle .. but get it done ...

the most important issue in moving a large shrub.. is TIMING ... and it is usually preferred to be done in dormancy .... not a few weeks before the heat of summer hits ... see link ..

that said.. things need to be done.. when the project requires it ... or the help is available ... take as big a root ball as can be moved .. dig new hole first ... drag that sucker over there .. and water it properly for 2 years .. refer to link again ..

if its in a full sun location.. if you could figure out how to shade it for a while.. that would be great.. but i am not sure i would want such a contraption out my front door .. lol ...

all that said.. if you can buy some new babes cheap.;. think about the cost benefit ratio of moving large ones ... sometimes replacement ends up being easier ...

ken

https://sites.google.com/site/tnarboretum/Home/planting-a-tree-or-shrub

Ken have you ever handled a Mahonia? Other than 'Soft Caress', they will cut you bloody. I would use at least a quilt!

I have not moved any successfully, but I probably didn't take enough care - I had to move two due to a construction project and it was in spring and I think that I didn't keep them wet enough post-move.

I'm sorry, so LOL!!! Yes, it's just a little sticky which I why I thought we would wrap it in a quilt.

It's going to a very shady location (will get early a.m. sun) and it's literally going to rain on and off the next ten days. I get your point, I want it gone first and if we can successfully move it, great if not, burn pile. Willing to take my chance. We've been on a moving frenzy. This past weekend we moved nandinas all over the place. They are doing great - it's like we are in Florida - it's raining daily.

We are in Jonesboro AR, zone 7B

I'm sorry, so LOL!!! Yes, it's just a little sticky which I why I thought we would wrap it in a quilt.

It's going to a very shady location (will get early a.m. sun) and it's literally going to rain on and off the next ten days. I get your point, I want it gone first and if we can successfully move it, great if not, burn pile. Willing to take my chance. We've been on a moving frenzy. This past weekend we moved nandinas all over the place. They are doing great - it's like we are in Florida - it's raining daily.

We are in Jonesboro AR, zone 7B